It looks like the Mayor’s dream of the Gold Coast hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games could become a reality after all.
After initially rejecting the idea, the Federal Government appears to have now had a change of heart, with the Federal Sports Minister admitting she is open to Mayor Tom Tate’s proposal.
Mayor Tate is strongly pushing for the city to host the sporting spectacle following the success of the Gold Coast’s 2018 Commonwealth Games.
It comes after Victoria sensationally pulled the pin over a massive cost blowout in July, leaving the Games without a host city just three years out.
In a letter to the Mayor, which was tabled at a Senate Inquiry into Australia’s preparedness to host the Olympic and Commonwealth Games in Melbourne yesterday, Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells said it would only be possible with the Queensland Government’s support.
“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,” Ms Wells wrote.
“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.”
Mayor Tate admits he is heartened by the news, and has now written to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in a bid to get her to reconsider her position as well.
He has declared Australia losing the Commonwealth Games would be a “national shame” not just a “Victorian shame”.
