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The Victorian authorities has axed the 2026 Commonwealth Video games amid a mammoth price blowout.
Premier Daniel Andrews introduced the choice at a snap media briefing on Tuesday morning.
“Final yr when the Commonwealth video games authorities approached us and wanted somebody to step into host the 2026 Commonwealth Video games, as a state we have been joyful to assist out however, after all, not at any value and provided that there was lasting profit for Victorian communities
and profit for the entire state,” he stated.
“What’s change into clear is that the price of internet hosting these video games in 2026 just isn’t the $2.6 billion which was budgeted and allotted and is sitting, the huge, overwhelming majority of which has not been spent.
“It isn’t $2.6 billion, it’s the truth is no less than $6 billion and might be as excessive as $7 billion and … I believe it might be greater than that.”
The Andrews authorities introduced in 2022 that the Video games can be shared throughout regional Victorian centres, together with Ballarat, Bendigo and Shepparton. They have been meant as a post-COVID sports activities and tourism enhance for nation Victoria.
“It’s a showcase of all that we accomplish that effectively. It’s about jobs. It’s about setting our state up for the long run,” Mr Andrews stated on the time.
“We all know that when regional Victoria is doing effectively, Victoria is doing effectively.”
The Video games have been to be held from March 17-29, 2026.
Tuesday’s announcement comes about 18 months after Victoria made a solo bid for the 2026 occasion.
On Tuesday, Mr Andrews stated Video games authorities had been knowledgeable at “amicable and productive” conferences on Monday night time.
“Our consultations with business, all of our preparatory work tells us. 6- $7 billion is effectively and actually an excessive amount of for a 12-day sporting occasion,” he stated.
“I cannot take cash out of hospitals and faculties with the intention to fund an occasion that’s thrice the associated fee is estimated and budgeted for final yr.”
As a substitute, the Andrews authorities has introduced a $2 billion regional funding bundle. It consists of $1 billion for social housing in nation Victoria – no less than 1300 homes.
“Frankly, $6-7 billion for a sporting occasion – we aren’t doing that. That doesn’t symbolize worth for cash, that’s all price and no profit,” he stated.
“We’ll as an alternative ship all and extra of the legacy advantages in housing,
sporting infrastructure, tourism and we’ll unpack all that tomorrow and all through the week.”
He stated negotiations have been persevering with with Video games authorities.