Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has scrapped plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a major cost blow-out estimation by the government.

Queensland was the last Australian state to hold a Commonwealth Games back in 2018. So where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games now be held? Image source: Shutterstock.

At a tense press conference on Tuesday, July 18, the Premier was resolute in his decision not to proceed with hosting the 12-day event, due to the significant increase in funding from the original budgeted $2.6b to $7b.

'I’m not here to apologise for not spending $7b to deliver an event. It’s about: Do you deliver it at any cost or not? And the answer is we’re not,' Mr Andrews said.

He added that his government had considered 'every conceivable option' and had finalised the decision in a Cabinet meeting on Monday (17 July)—before any major contracts had been signed.

The Victorian Premier also stated the government was not ready to release exactly what the cost of abandoning the Games would be but confirmed they would be 'fully accounted for' at some point in the future, and 'very little costs had been incurred to this point.'

'I’m not going to negotiate with the Commonwealth Games authorities via the media in Melbourne, when I’ve got a team of people doing exactly that in London', he said.

In lieu of the Games, Mr Andrews then announced the government would instead use the $2.6b budget to deliver legacy benefits of the ‘housing, sporting infrastructure and tourism’ benefits through other policies, as well as focusing on providing more housing to regional communities, through a $1b Regional Housing Fund which will deliver more than 1300 new homes to the areas of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the benefits of hosting the event far were far outweighed by the increased costs and she listed a number of programs and infrastructure projects which the allocated funds would be used for.

'Each one of those sporting infrastructure facilities will be going ahead and we will be wanting to push on and complete those projects with those local communities following consultation with them,' she said.

Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Harriet Shing added that the projects will provide more jobs for people who live in the listed regional hubs, and focus on how to revitalise the tourism economy in the wake of cancelled events.

'We also want to make sure that community and sporting facilities are given the attention and the focus that they deserve', Ms Shing said.

Members, this news is certainly shocking, but we are keen to read your thoughts on it. While there’s no doubt the Commonwealth Games would have been a great success, it is hard to argue with a cost of $7b which could have been put towards better things.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and remember, be kind and respect each others’ opinions.

 

[elaine41]

It's about time someone put a stop to the ever-increasing cost of hosting both Commonwealth Games & the Olympics. There are more important things to spend $7b on in Victoria (& the rest of the country).
This will be the first time that I think Mr. Andrews has really done the best thing for his state. Congrats.

 

[Chippie]

Gongrulations Dan on making a sensible decision ! The cost of hosting Commonwealth and Olympic games is horrendous and an unnecessary waste of money, time to stop them! When people are homeless, doing without basic necessarties, and struggling to just survive then the government needs to stop funding to all sports until the economy is in better shape .

 

[Iggydi]

Finally a politician that isn't afraid to decide to cancel an event because of the cost to the tax payer

 

[Tygie]

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has scrapped plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a major cost blow-out estimation by the government.

View attachment 25359

Queensland was the last Australian state to hold a Commonwealth Games back in 2018. So where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games now be held? Image source: Shutterstock.

At a tense press conference on Tuesday, July 18, the Premier was resolute in his decision not to proceed with hosting the 12-day event, due to the significant increase in funding from the original budgeted $2.6b to $7b.

'I’m not here to apologise for not spending $7b to deliver an event. It’s about: Do you deliver it at any cost or not? And the answer is we’re not,' Mr Andrews said.

He added that his government had considered 'every conceivable option' and had finalised the decision in a Cabinet meeting on Monday (17 July)—before any major contracts had been signed.

The Victorian Premier also stated the government was not ready to release exactly what the cost of abandoning the Games would be but confirmed they would be 'fully accounted for' at some point in the future, and 'very little costs had been incurred to this point.'

'I’m not going to negotiate with the Commonwealth Games authorities via the media in Melbourne, when I’ve got a team of people doing exactly that in London', he said.

In lieu of the Games, Mr Andrews then announced the government would instead use the $2.6b budget to deliver legacy benefits of the ‘housing, sporting infrastructure and tourism’ benefits through other policies, as well as focusing on providing more housing to regional communities, through a $1b Regional Housing Fund which will deliver more than 1300 new homes to the areas of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the benefits of hosting the event far were far outweighed by the increased costs and she listed a number of programs and infrastructure projects which the allocated funds would be used for.

'Each one of those sporting infrastructure facilities will be going ahead and we will be wanting to push on and complete those projects with those local communities following consultation with them,' she said.

Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Harriet Shing added that the projects will provide more jobs for people who live in the listed regional hubs, and focus on how to revitalise the tourism economy in the wake of cancelled events.

'We also want to make sure that community and sporting facilities are given the attention and the focus that they deserve', Ms Shing said.

Members, this news is certainly shocking, but we are keen to read your thoughts on it. While there’s no doubt the Commonwealth Games would have been a great success, it is hard to argue with a cost of $7b which could have been put towards better things.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and remember, be kind and respect each others’ opinions.

wish the Queensland premier would take notice and do the same for the one she is hell bent on having. It's a waste of money that is better spent on more deserving things around the state - homes for those who need it, hospitals etc. Never mind spending a fortune on some two week expensive BS that most people don't want!!

 

[wendell]

yes such a huge increase is not worth it but hoping that monies will go to the people that need it The politicians don’t go short with expenses for themselves I hear

 

[Suzanne rose]

Well done to to The Victorian Premier.
7 Billion dollars is way to much , tourism would not bring this ammount back to the Government's purse.

Totally agree put it into housing and helping the people of Victoria.

Now Albo and our Premier of NSW ( keep forgetting who it is ) take notice.

Wished our Prime Minster had the balls to spend the money on Australian people ...his people who are hurting , rather than send money overseas .

 

[Lindsay46]

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has scrapped plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a major cost blow-out estimation by the government.

View attachment 25359

Queensland was the last Australian state to hold a Commonwealth Games back in 2018. So where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games now be held? Image source: Shutterstock.

At a tense press conference on Tuesday, July 18, the Premier was resolute in his decision not to proceed with hosting the 12-day event, due to the significant increase in funding from the original budgeted $2.6b to $7b.

'I’m not here to apologise for not spending $7b to deliver an event. It’s about: Do you deliver it at any cost or not? And the answer is we’re not,' Mr Andrews said.

He added that his government had considered 'every conceivable option' and had finalised the decision in a Cabinet meeting on Monday (17 July)—before any major contracts had been signed.

The Victorian Premier also stated the government was not ready to release exactly what the cost of abandoning the Games would be but confirmed they would be 'fully accounted for' at some point in the future, and 'very little costs had been incurred to this point.'

'I’m not going to negotiate with the Commonwealth Games authorities via the media in Melbourne, when I’ve got a team of people doing exactly that in London', he said.

In lieu of the Games, Mr Andrews then announced the government would instead use the $2.6b budget to deliver legacy benefits of the ‘housing, sporting infrastructure and tourism’ benefits through other policies, as well as focusing on providing more housing to regional communities, through a $1b Regional Housing Fund which will deliver more than 1300 new homes to the areas of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the benefits of hosting the event far were far outweighed by the increased costs and she listed a number of programs and infrastructure projects which the allocated funds would be used for.

'Each one of those sporting infrastructure facilities will be going ahead and we will be wanting to push on and complete those projects with those local communities following consultation with them,' she said.

Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Harriet Shing added that the projects will provide more jobs for people who live in the listed regional hubs, and focus on how to revitalise the tourism economy in the wake of cancelled events.

'We also want to make sure that community and sporting facilities are given the attention and the focus that they deserve', Ms Shing said.

Members, this news is certainly shocking, but we are keen to read your thoughts on it. While there’s no doubt the Commonwealth Games would have been a great success, it is hard to argue with a cost of $7b which could have been put towards better things.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and remember, be kind and respect each others’ opinions.

The real question is why has the cost increased from $2b to at least $7b? What mismanagement has occurred? If a supermarket had an item which was normally $20, and suddenly the store decided to charge $70 for the same thing, there would be an outcry. (That’s the same percentage increase BTW.)

 

[Welsh Dragon]

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has scrapped plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a major cost blow-out estimation by the government.

View attachment 25359

Queensland was the last Australian state to hold a Commonwealth Games back in 2018. So where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games now be held? Image source: Shutterstock.

At a tense press conference on Tuesday, July 18, the Premier was resolute in his decision not to proceed with hosting the 12-day event, due to the significant increase in funding from the original budgeted $2.6b to $7b.

'I’m not here to apologise for not spending $7b to deliver an event. It’s about: Do you deliver it at any cost or not? And the answer is we’re not,' Mr Andrews said.

He added that his government had considered 'every conceivable option' and had finalised the decision in a Cabinet meeting on Monday (17 July)—before any major contracts had been signed.

The Victorian Premier also stated the government was not ready to release exactly what the cost of abandoning the Games would be but confirmed they would be 'fully accounted for' at some point in the future, and 'very little costs had been incurred to this point.'

'I’m not going to negotiate with the Commonwealth Games authorities via the media in Melbourne, when I’ve got a team of people doing exactly that in London', he said.

In lieu of the Games, Mr Andrews then announced the government would instead use the $2.6b budget to deliver legacy benefits of the ‘housing, sporting infrastructure and tourism’ benefits through other policies, as well as focusing on providing more housing to regional communities, through a $1b Regional Housing Fund which will deliver more than 1300 new homes to the areas of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the benefits of hosting the event far were far outweighed by the increased costs and she listed a number of programs and infrastructure projects which the allocated funds would be used for.

'Each one of those sporting infrastructure facilities will be going ahead and we will be wanting to push on and complete those projects with those local communities following consultation with them,' she said.

Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Harriet Shing added that the projects will provide more jobs for people who live in the listed regional hubs, and focus on how to revitalise the tourism economy in the wake of cancelled events.

'We also want to make sure that community and sporting facilities are given the attention and the focus that they deserve', Ms Shing said.

Members, this news is certainly shocking, but we are keen to read your thoughts on it. While there’s no doubt the Commonwealth Games would have been a great success, it is hard to argue with a cost of $7b which could have been put towards better things.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and remember, be kind and respect each others’ opinions.

What else would you expect from this idiotic megalomaniac, inept, spendthrift labour government. And, vote NO to racism/apartheid in this one nation we call Australia.

 

[TonyV]

Surely Andrews should resign after this latest disaster. Health is in disarray, over the top lockdowns, the COVID quarantine mess, massive debt, disastrous climate policies etc etc. Victorians must be masochists to keep supporting this clown.

 

[Wandiwa]

The real question is why has the cost increased from $2b to at least $7b? What mismanagement has occurred? If a supermarket had an item which was normally $20, and suddenly the store decided to charge $70 for the same thing, there would be an outcry. (That’s the same percentage increase BTW.)

You really cant compare a big long term govt project to a $20 mop and bucket set in Coles.
Big projects have strikes, inclement weather, economic downturns, unknown inflation rates, change of govt parties, and curved balls like climate change to consider over a multiyear project. If you really wanna know why govt projects blowout, research Snowy River scheme 2.0 ... projected cost blowout so far 5x and end date moved back a decade, and its hardly started.

 

[LynnMcK]

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has scrapped plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a major cost blow-out estimation by the government.

View attachment 25359

Queensland was the last Australian state to hold a Commonwealth Games back in 2018. So where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games now be held? Image source: Shutterstock.

At a tense press conference on Tuesday, July 18, the Premier was resolute in his decision not to proceed with hosting the 12-day event, due to the significant increase in funding from the original budgeted $2.6b to $7b.

'I’m not here to apologise for not spending $7b to deliver an event. It’s about: Do you deliver it at any cost or not? And the answer is we’re not,' Mr Andrews said.

He added that his government had considered 'every conceivable option' and had finalised the decision in a Cabinet meeting on Monday (17 July)—before any major contracts had been signed.

The Victorian Premier also stated the government was not ready to release exactly what the cost of abandoning the Games would be but confirmed they would be 'fully accounted for' at some point in the future, and 'very little costs had been incurred to this point.'

'I’m not going to negotiate with the Commonwealth Games authorities via the media in Melbourne, when I’ve got a team of people doing exactly that in London', he said.

In lieu of the Games, Mr Andrews then announced the government would instead use the $2.6b budget to deliver legacy benefits of the ‘housing, sporting infrastructure and tourism’ benefits through other policies, as well as focusing on providing more housing to regional communities, through a $1b Regional Housing Fund which will deliver more than 1300 new homes to the areas of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the benefits of hosting the event far were far outweighed by the increased costs and she listed a number of programs and infrastructure projects which the allocated funds would be used for.

'Each one of those sporting infrastructure facilities will be going ahead and we will be wanting to push on and complete those projects with those local communities following consultation with them,' she said.

Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Harriet Shing added that the projects will provide more jobs for people who live in the listed regional hubs, and focus on how to revitalise the tourism economy in the wake of cancelled events.

'We also want to make sure that community and sporting facilities are given the attention and the focus that they deserve', Ms Shing said.

Members, this news is certainly shocking, but we are keen to read your thoughts on it. While there’s no doubt the Commonwealth Games would have been a great success, it is hard to argue with a cost of $7b which could have been put towards better things.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and remember, be kind and respect each others’ opinions.

So why did they put their hand up to host them in the first place? What a schmozzle!

 

[Daryl.m]

As a concerned Victorian, Dan Andrews is Not a Savvy Politician, during his Reign he has wasted billions from a Failed East West Tunnel to an ever Failing Westgate Tunnel that is now 7 Billion Dollars over budget and looking to be twice that before 1 vehicle gets to use it! Victoria is 'Broke" 30 odd Billion in debt and rising under Dan Andrews, there's nothing left to sell in Victoria to raise funds for this, he is a catastrophe as a polliticion, any one want to come here to live needs deep pockets for all our Fee's and charges imposed in the last budget for a Cash Strapped State!

 

[Big M]

Surely Andrews should resign after this latest disaster. Health is in disarray, over the top lockdowns, the COVID quarantine mess, massive debt, disastrous climate policies etc etc. Victorians must be masochists to keep supporting this clown.

It’s one of the best things he has done!!!

Surely Andrews should resign after this latest disaster. Health is in disarray, over the top lockdowns, the COVID quarantine mess, massive debt, disastrous climate policies etc etc. Victorians must be masochists to keep supporting this clown.

Seems to me he has done the best thing!

 

[bbfjohns]

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has scrapped plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a major cost blow-out estimation by the government.

View attachment 25359

Queensland was the last Australian state to hold a Commonwealth Games back in 2018. So where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games now be held? Image source: Shutterstock.

At a tense press conference on Tuesday, July 18, the Premier was resolute in his decision not to proceed with hosting the 12-day event, due to the significant increase in funding from the original budgeted $2.6b to $7b.

'I’m not here to apologise for not spending $7b to deliver an event. It’s about: Do you deliver it at any cost or not? And the answer is we’re not,' Mr Andrews said.

He added that his government had considered 'every conceivable option' and had finalised the decision in a Cabinet meeting on Monday (17 July)—before any major contracts had been signed.

The Victorian Premier also stated the government was not ready to release exactly what the cost of abandoning the Games would be but confirmed they would be 'fully accounted for' at some point in the future, and 'very little costs had been incurred to this point.'

'I’m not going to negotiate with the Commonwealth Games authorities via the media in Melbourne, when I’ve got a team of people doing exactly that in London', he said.

In lieu of the Games, Mr Andrews then announced the government would instead use the $2.6b budget to deliver legacy benefits of the ‘housing, sporting infrastructure and tourism’ benefits through other policies, as well as focusing on providing more housing to regional communities, through a $1b Regional Housing Fund which will deliver more than 1300 new homes to the areas of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Gippsland.

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said the benefits of hosting the event far were far outweighed by the increased costs and she listed a number of programs and infrastructure projects which the allocated funds would be used for.

'Each one of those sporting infrastructure facilities will be going ahead and we will be wanting to push on and complete those projects with those local communities following consultation with them,' she said.

Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Harriet Shing added that the projects will provide more jobs for people who live in the listed regional hubs, and focus on how to revitalise the tourism economy in the wake of cancelled events.

'We also want to make sure that community and sporting facilities are given the attention and the focus that they deserve', Ms Shing said.

Members, this news is certainly shocking, but we are keen to read your thoughts on it. While there’s no doubt the Commonwealth Games would have been a great success, it is hard to argue with a cost of $7b which could have been put towards better things.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and remember, be kind and respect each others’ opinions.

The State is in terrible financial straits. One would hope that other projects would be scrapped due to cost blowouts or project mismanagement. Consider the tunnels. One should consider the shocking state of our roads and the resulting road toll from missing potholes Not to mention wrecked windscreens and tyres.

 

[JKM_Storyteller]

I love the Commonwealth and Olympic Games and am all for Australia hosting them - but not at all costs.
I firmly believe Dan Andrews has made the right call if the state's budget cannot cover the increased costs of hosting the games. It was not that long ago when the Victorian budget was handed down and the massive post-covid debt was revealed.
Different sporting figures are taking to the hustings to whinge that this decision will be a death blow to aspiring Aussie athletes who'd planned to use the 2026 Commonwealth Games as their gateway to the Olympic Games; and they further proclaim that this decision has killed those aspirations.
Well, I'm calling 'balderdash' on that claim. If the Commonwealth Games are the only avenue to the Olympic Games, then I'm a monkey's uncle (and I'm a female! LOL) There are many other competitions available to our athletes - many of them in the bigger arena outside the Commonwealth.
In any event, it would have been a whisker short of criminal for Dan Andrews to keep Victoria committed to the Commonwealth Games when it was clear to him and the Victorian Cabinet that the state and their citizens could not afford it without robbing the budgetted funds from necessary infrastructure like health, education, and transport, etc.
Of course the media will have a field day with this. And they will lead the rabble calling for Dan Andrews' scalp.
But whilesoever Australians en masse continue to slavishly follow the media where everyone in the media apparently holds a PhD in everything from global economics to political science; and nuclear physics to criminal psychology, then we will have to suffer the uneducated opinions of those whose opinions are not to be relied upon.
I long for the day when the media returns to being just a news broadcaster. Not a self-styled arbiter of what we should believe.
Rant over.

Jess

 

[Wandiwa]

If Victoria has bailed on the c/wealth games, what is plan B?
Isn't it too short a notice for another city to ramp up for 2026?
Will the games now be deferred or cancelled in 2026?
Anyone know the answers?

 

[freedy50]

Surely Andrews should resign after this latest disaster. Health is in disarray, over the top lockdowns, the COVID quarantine mess, massive debt, disastrous climate policies etc etc. Victorians must be masochists to keep supporting this clown.

So you start off with saying "Surely Andrews should resign after this latest disaster". On the contrary, he ought to be applauded for this decision. Sounds like you think he should spend bewteen $2.5-$7bn on this 12 day sports event? All the bad things you've listed can now have that money spent on them instead.

 

[Pink lion]

TypicaL

 

[freedy50]

I love the Commonwealth and Olympic Games and am all for Australia hosting them - but not at all costs.
I firmly believe Dan Andrews has made the right call if the state's budget cannot cover the increased costs of hosting the games. It was not that long ago when the Victorian budget was handed down and the massive post-covid debt was revealed.
Different sporting figures are taking to the hustings to whinge that this decision will be a death blow to aspiring Aussie athletes who'd planned to use the 2026 Commonwealth Games as their gateway to the Olympic Games; and they further proclaim that this decision has killed those aspirations.
Well, I'm calling 'balderdash' on that claim. If the Commonwealth Games are the only avenue to the Olympic Games, then I'm a monkey's uncle (and I'm a female! LOL) There are many other competitions available to our athletes - many of them in the bigger arena outside the Commonwealth.
In any event, it would have been a whisker short of criminal for Dan Andrews to keep Victoria committed to the Commonwealth Games when it was clear to him and the Victorian Cabinet that the state and their citizens could not afford it without robbing the budgetted funds from necessary infrastructure like health, education, and transport, etc.
Of course the media will have a field day with this. And they will lead the rabble calling for Dan Andrews' scalp.
But whilesoever Australians en masse continue to slavishly follow the media where everyone in the media apparently holds a PhD in everything from global economics to political science; and nuclear physics to criminal psychology, then we will have to suffer the uneducated opinions of those whose opinions are not to be relied upon.
I long for the day when the media returns to being just a news broadcaster. Not a self-styled arbiter of what we should believe.
Rant over.

Jess

If some athletes do use this as their gateway to the Olympic Games, what do the athletes in the USA, Africa and countries in Europe, who are not in the Commonwealth, use as their gateway? Most of them end up being really good at what they do without this, so being in the Commonwealth Games doesn't seem to help that much anyway.

The billions that Victoria were going to waste on this can now be used for more domestic things.