Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate continues campaign to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate is not giving up hopes of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate is still holding onto hopes of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, urging the state government to “have a crack” at supporting his notion.

On Monday, Mr Tate fronted a federal inquiry into Australia’s readiness to host a future Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games after Victoria pulled out of hosting as costs blew out to about $5bn.

However the mayor was resolute he could host the games with a budget between $750m to $1bn.

“So the key is, you got to have a crack to save Australian reputation,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

Mr Tate said Victoria’s $380m compensation pay out to the Commonwealth Games Federation should be given to Queensland’s budget, if the state takes on hosting duties.

“It’s quite funny actually, Victoria is going to fund the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games,” he said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate maintained his city could host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Picture NCA NewsWire/ Aaron Francis

Despite Mr Tate’s efforts, Queensland’s Acting Premier Steven Miles said the state is focusing on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“No one can ever accuse Tom of not being for the Gold Coast … but we are focused on the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mr Miles.

“That’s certainly enough work for me to do because we want to make sure it doesn’t just deliver the best games ever but also the homes and the jobs our young people need.”

Federal Sports minister Annika Wells also said that any bid by a local council would need to be supported by the state government.

“What I said in the letter is that it’s up for a host state to nominate and the bid fails at the first hurdle if a host state will not nominate,” she told reporters on Tuesday.

“And Queensland, as has every other state and territory, has ruled out nominating.”

However Mr Tate said he could deliver a “compelling presentation” which would the Premier’s mind.

“It’s a business decision really, and she gets to save the Commonwealth Games and save Australia’s reputation,” he said.

“It’s about gaining more information and the positivity of what Queensland can get out of it and what Australia can get out of it.”

Originally published as Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate continues campaign to host 2026 Commonwealth Games