Andrews ‘not fussed’ where the Commonwealth Games are held now or in the future

Premier Dan Andrews says he won’t be embarrassed if the Gold Coast successfully hosts the Commonwealth Games, instead taking a swipe at the “nasty little rabble” Liberal Party and its leader.

Daniel Andrews says it would not be embarrassing if the Gold Coast could pull off the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and has refused to say whether he’d be comfortable with Victorian taxpayers contributing to the event in another city.

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate this week told a Senate probe that he wanted to take Victoria’s $380m compensation bill and use it towards holding the event in his city.

But the Premier on Thursday said he wasn’t fussed where the event would be held in 2026 and in future years, stating it was a matter for Commonwealth Games’ bosses.

“We have closed this matter,” he said.

“It’s not a matter about what I’m happy or unhappy about. It’s a matter for them.

“The matter has been settled, and on that basis, the Commonwealth Games authorities, I’d be confident, they’d be working hard to try and find future venues and future hosts, and I wish them well.”

Premier Daniel Andrews is not fussed where the Games will be held in 2026 and in future years. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Andrews refused to bite on claims from Mr Tate who said he believed the Gold Coast, which hosted the 2018 event, could be salvaged at a cost between $750m and $1bn.

“I’m not here to talk about claims from the LNP mayor of the Gold Coast (Tom Tate) like he can claim whatever he wants,” he said.

Asked if it would be embarrassing if the Gold Coast could come in and save the day, Mr Andrews instead took aim at his political opponents.

“There’s plenty of people that have embarrassed themselves this week,” he said.

“I think Bridget McKenzie (who is a member of the Senate Inquiry which Mr Tate gave evidence to) has embarrassed herself, like sports rorts McKenzie lecturing people about anything, seriously.

“We are about building houses, we are about getting on and getting things done, we are about making choices that are not just popular but are the right thing to do, and we are opposed in most of that by the Liberal and National Parties.

“That’s just the way they roll. They spend every waking moment bagging Victoria, talking Victoria down. They couldn’t spell policy let alone devise and actually take to the community anything like a policy on anything.

“They’re just focused on themselves, they’re a nasty little rabble and (opposition leader) John Pesutto couldn’t run a bath.

“And that’s why they’re off having meetings today about the fact they’re all suing each other.”