The Federal Government is reported to have offered support for a bid by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to rescue the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
With the Victorian Government having last month relinquished its hosting of the 2026 Games, Mayor Tate has repeatedly suggested that the Gold Coast, which staged the 2018 Games, could step in - possibly as part of a joint hosting plan with Perth.
Addressing the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games and the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, it was revealed that Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells wrote to Mayor Tate last week offering the Federal Government’s conditional support.
Minister Wells’ letter stated “as I am sure you are aware, the decision to host a major sporting event such as this is a matter for state and territory governments.
“It is the host jurisdiction, not the Commonwealth Government, which enters into the required host contract with the Commonwealth Games Federation and is responsible for delivering the Games.
“As such, any potential alternative host city, or cities, would be for each jurisdiction to consider.
“Should support be forthcoming from the Queensland Government for the Gold Coast to bid to host the 2026 Games, the Commonwealth Government would be willing to consider such a proposal.”
Tate said he was “heartened to see Minister Wells is open minded”, noting “I have immediately written to the Premier and asked her to reconsider her position.
“The athletes and para-athletes are my primary concern along with the country’s reputation.
“I’m certain this can be done for under a billion (dollars) which is just a fraction of the $7 billion it blew out to in Victoria.”
Minister Wells’ apparent support is a marked change from the Federal Government having not supported Victoria’s Games in this year’s Federal budget and comments made a month ago by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who ruled out any Federal funds.
Prime Minister Albanese stated “if Tom Tate wants to hold the Commonwealth Games he should fund it. We’ve made a substantial contribution to the (2032) Olympics.”
Images: Athletics at Metricon Stadium (top), Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells (middle) and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate (below).
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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