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The federal government has opened the door to supporting the Gold Coast’s sensational bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but says the Palaszczuk government need to get behind it first.
In a 180-degree turnaround from previous opposition to the idea, Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells has opened the door to supporting Mayor Tom Tate’s audacious bid to replace Victoria as the Games host after Premier Daniel Andrews abandoned it in July.
Ms Wells said, in a response letter to Mr Tate late last week, she would be “willing to consider such a proposal” if support was “forthcoming from the Queensland Government”.
The Wells letter is a marked shift from comments a month ago by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who ruled out any federal funds, saying: “If Tom Tate wants to hold the Commonwealth Games he should fund it. We’ve made a substantial contribution to the (2032) Olympics.”
Ms Wells wrote in the letter, which Mr Tate tabled on Monday at a Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport session on preparations for the 2026 and 2032 Olympic Games: “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.”
Queensland Premier Annasacia Palaszczuk has shown no interest in hosting the event in Queensland in 2026, instead focusing on the 2032 Olympics.
Mr Tate welcomed Ms Wells’ letter and said he would work to convince the state the city could host a stripped down Games focused on swimming and athletics without costing too much.
“I’m heartened to see Minister Wells is open minded and I have immediately written to the Premier and asked her to reconsider her position,” he said. “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 which is just a fraction of the seven billion it blew out to in Victoria. With Federal Government and Commonwealth Games Federation support, we’re nearly there.”
Mr Tate appeared at the committee in Melbourne alongside Perth Mayor Basil Zempilas, who has offered to co-host the 2026 event in a bid to spread costs. Mr Tate championed the idea of a new Gold Coast games within days of Mr Andrews cancelling Victoria’s hosting plans.
Mr Tate last week appeared before the committee when it say in Brisbane and looked ahead to the 2032 Games.
In evidence, Mr Tate called for a major infrastructure overhaul in a bid to save billions.
In a speech to the committee, Mr Tate said:
* He opposed redevelopment of the Gabba, arguing it was not “value for money...particularly when Australian families are doing it tough and said a “coat of paint” would suffice.
* opposed temporary venues in Brisbane, arguing they were the “polar opposite” of legacy”.
Mr Tate said he was disappointed the Gold Coast was still not represented on the organising committee board.
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