Daniel Andrews has but to disclose how the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games would have value taxpayers between $6 and $7 billion, the occasion’s CEO stated.
The Victorian premier sensationally introduced that his state would not host the sporting occasion, citing monetary difficulties.
Andrews stated the price of the Games could be “at least $6 billion or $7 billion,” not the $2.6 billion allotted.
But Commonwealth Games Australia boss Craig Phillips stated that determine was “exaggerated”.
Mr Phillips stated greater than per week after asserting that regional Victoria was pulling out as host, he has not been given a breakdown of how Mr Andrews arrived on the $6-7 billion determine.
Daniel Andrews has but to disclose how the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games would have value taxpayers between $6 billion and $7 billion, the occasion’s CEO stated
“We have a figure of $6-7 billion that we know is over the top, so as soon as we get the chance, we will have a sensible conversation with those who may have the opportunity to host,” he stated on Friday afternoon.
“There’s always hope that it could be here from our perspective, to be fair to the other prime ministers of other states, they’re probably responding to a figure of $6-7 billion, which is eye-watering.”
“We’ll look at working with any state that wants to know what the Games might look like, what the cost might be, but certainly, the numbers out there now are very exaggerated.”
Mr Phillips added that his solely contact with the Victorian authorities was Deputy Secretary Tim Ada, whom he heard an hour and a half earlier than the announcement.
The Games’ attorneys have additionally not been supplied with documentation of the estimated value of $6-7 billion.
“We haven’t seen the numbers,” Mr. Phillips stated.
Commonwealth Games Australia boss Craig Phillips stated the $6-7 billion determine was “exaggerated”.
Both events are actually attempting to make a monetary settlement that might in flip assist to partially fund the occasion in one other metropolis.
It is believed Victoria’s compensation may run into the lots of of hundreds of thousands of {dollars}.
“It came out of the blue, we were blindsided, most people wouldn’t like to be treated that way,” Mr Phillips stated.
“It’s disrespectful, and that’s how we were treated last week, our movement, our athletes were disrespected.
“We believe that if we can have a sensible conversation, there’s a chance to move it forward.”
While Mr Phillips couldn’t give a particular determine on what it might value to host, he stated the final Birmingham Games value $1.5 billion, whereas the Gold Coast Games value $1.2 billion.
While he couldn’t give a particular determine on what it might value to host, Mr Phillips stated by the use of comparability that the final video games in Birmingham value $1.5 billion, whereas the Gold Coast Games value $1.2 billion (Australia Netball Team celebrates silver medal at Gold Coast Games)
The Scottish Government has indicated its willingness to host a part of the Games and Birmingham has additionally thrown in its hat as a attainable stage for the occasion.
Last week, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate stated the town may host the 2026 Games and stated he had contacted Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“We’re games ready,” Mr. Tate stated.
“The Prime Minister of Victoria’s lemon, the Gold Coast can turn that into a lemonade, because that’s how we roll.”
Having efficiently hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the town already has the mandatory infrastructure and venues to host one other.
Mr Tate stated he would love monetary assist from the federal authorities, however with a lot of the infrastructure already in place the invoice could be considerably decrease.
The rights to host the 2026 occasion had been awarded to regional Victoria final yr after no one of many 70 nations within the Commonwealth Games Federation provided to host.
The motive for Victoria’s withdrawal is believed to be because of the state’s cash issues, with Victoria’s projected debt of $135.4 billion in 2024 rising to $171.4 billion in 2026-27.
Mr Andrews stated he wouldn’t take cash from hospitals and colleges to fund the occasion.