Deputy PM Richard Marles washes hands of Comm Games collapse debacle

Richard Marles said while the federal government was in talks with the Victoria government, it was ultimately their decision.

Mr Marles (left) was visiting with Fremantle MP Josh Wilson (centre) to discuss the AFL club's commitment to yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum, joined by Docker's captain Alex Pearce (right). Picture: NCA NewsWire / Anthony Anderson

The Deputy Prime Minister has distanced himself from the fallout of the 2026 Commonwealth Games being scrapped, saying any decision was ultimately “for the Victorian government.”

Speaking Perth on Wednesday, Richard Marles was asked about the Andrews government cancelling the event, which was to be held in regional Victoria.

Mr Marles’ electorate of Corio, based on Geelong, would have been one of the areas to benefit, as well as other regional centres including Ballarat, Bendigo and Shepparton.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday revealed his government would no longer host the major sporting event due to financial restraints.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (centre) made the comments while speaking at the Fremantle Docker's headquarters in WA. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Anthony Anderson

“We’re all disappointed in what’s happened here but ultimately this is a decision for the Victorian government. We understand that, we respect that,” Mr Marles said.

“The Victorian government has made clear to the community … the infrastructure that was promised in association with the Games will be delivered, and we welcome that.”

Mr Marles (left) was visiting with Fremantle MP Josh Wilson (centre) to discuss the AFL club's commitment to yes vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Anthony Anderson

Asked if the cancellation was a bad look for Australia, Mr Marles said he’d leave it up to the Andrews government to answer that.

He also confirmed while his government had been in ongoing talks with Victoria, offers or requests for help to hold the event weren’t made, to the best of his knowledge.

Mr Marles was speaking with Fremantle MP Josh Wilson at the Fremantle Dockers headquarters, where the AFL club was affirming their commitment to the ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming Voice referendum.

Originally published as Deputy PM Richard Marles washes hands of Comm Games collapse debacle