Daniel Andrews announces bid for 2026 Commonwealth Games with one major difference

Victoria will bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games but the events will have a major difference if the state gets the green light.

Victoria will put a bid forward to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The state’s plan will focus heavily on regional Victoria in what Premier Daniel Andrews said would be the first event of its kind.

“It’s not a re-run of any other games, it’s something unique, something that’s never been done before – that's what we're pushing,” he said.

“Our vision for this is a games like no other which will be great for Victoria, great for the state, for jobs, for investment.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, when the city last hosted.

“And just to reconfirm in everyone’s mind that we are the major events capital, the sporting capital and that regional Victoria is the most beautiful part of our nation.

“We would hope to have the majority of events in our regional cities — to display the best of Victoria, create jobs and housing and infrastructure that will deliver for the long term.”

A major cultural festival would accompany the 2026 Commonwealth Games that would be aimed at celebrating the diversity of competing nations.

Mr Andrews said work has started on figuring out the cost and benefits of the plan after a two-month exclusivity agreement was signed on Tuesday night.

“We have all that is needed to make an event like this a fantastic success for us and for everybody, right across the Commonwealth,” he said.

“This is all about making sure that we have a jam-packed calendar of big events, to bring visitors to create jobs, to underpin confidence.”

Premier Daniel Andrews announces that Victoria will be bidding for the 2026 Commonwealth Games which if successful, will be predominantly held in regional Victoria. Picture: Ian Currie.

Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said the event would be a chance for Victoria to display itself to an international audience.

“Bringing the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria will showcase our state globally, deliver major economic benefits and support jobs across our great state,” he said.

Local leaders including Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Victoria Tourism Industry Council chief Felicia Marian have already thrown their support behind the potential bid.

The Commonwealth Games Federation have been in discussions with multiple countries for hosting the 2026 Games.

Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, most recently on the Gold Coast in 2018.

The Games’ return would come 20 years since Melbourne last hosted in 2006.

Originally published as Daniel Andrews announces bid for 2026 Commonwealth Games with one major difference