Chris Minnes justifies exclusion of Commonwealth Games in Sydney as opposition disagrees
New South Wales Prime Minister Chris Mings has again denied hosting the Commonwealth Games, despite what he said would be a “great opportunity” for the state.
Key Point:
- Opposition leader Mark Speakman has called for New South Wales to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games
- Chris Minnes admits not accepting international competition from Victoria
- Western Sydney group says wider region will benefit from gaming infrastructure
Mings said price was the main concern for the 12-day event after the Victorian premiere Daniel Andrews claimed costs ballooned over $6 billion.
Mings said Victoria’s decision not to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games “is a reminder that budgets are under pressure not only in New South Wales but across the country”.
The New South Wales premier said the biggest expenditure was player accommodation, which was sold in 2019. A few years after the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“Unless I tell thousands of people to move out of their homes to house the athletes, it’s not going to happen,” Mins said.
Opposition leader Mark Speakman disagreed, arguing that New South Wales could rise to the challenge.
“The government should seriously consider bidding for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Speakman told media on Tuesday that it would be a “great opportunity” for the state to take advantage of existing and future facilities.
“We had an incredible infrastructure at the 2000 Olympics and during that time we had an incredible infrastructure built in New South Wales: a new stadium in Parramatta, a new stadium in Moore Park, We have an upgraded playing field, an upgraded netball facility.”
Shadow Tourism Minister Gourmesh Singh added that the competition could provide much-needed economic stimulus for businesses in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Western Sydney support
Western Sydney leaders are also backing the tournament.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue considered the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) region as a legitimate choice for the host region.
CEO Adam Leto said in a statement: “If Western Sydney wants to save the reputation of Australian sport after Victoria drops the ball, we should do it on our lawn and on our terms. ‘ said.
Liverpool mayor Ned Munoon says there could be no better time to introduce Liverpool’s second centre, than to host the game in Western Sydney instead.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the opening of the new Western Sydney Airport in 2026 than by being hosted by Western Sydney,” he told ABC News.
“We already have a lot of infrastructure here, but we need more infrastructure, and the great news is that we need that infrastructure, Commonwealth Games or not.”
He called on the state government to do more to see Western Sydney as an investment economic powerhouse.
“It will inspire children, it will inspire communities, and it will give governments the opportunity to build the infrastructure they need today.”
But infrastructure aside, Mins said there are other concerns including an athlete track, infrastructure renovations and a tight three-year deadline to put together a hypothetical plan.
“So far, all other states have said they don’t have the resources to cover the Olympics, and our predecessor government has chosen not to run for the Olympics.
“If you’re serious about where government money is going, I’d be happy to have those conversations, but a lot of the time what we’re hearing from previous administrations is that it’s getting more and more extravagant. It’s just a request to spend more money on a better life.” “
The first and only Commonwealth Games were held in New South Wales in 1938.
The competition, then known as the Games of the British Empire, was held in the eastern and northern suburbs of Sydney.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-19/nsw-no-commonwealth-games-sydney-bid/102618950 Chris Minnes justifies exclusion of Commonwealth Games in Sydney as opposition disagrees
