2026 Commonwealth Games cancellation sparks controversy but it’s a prudent decision in the public interest
Australia’s deep-rooted passion for sports and its cherished gold medals are sources of national pride, whether we like it or not. However, the 2026 Commonwealth Games took a surprising turn as the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, made the momentous decision to cancel the event, and the announcement has ignited a heated debate among sports enthusiasts, the public, policymakers, and athletes alike.
One of the primary reasons that led to the abrupt cancellation was a jaw-dropping cost blowout that left authorities reeling. Originally estimated at $2.6 billion, the budget for the event had spiraled exponentially, ballooning to an astonishing $6 billion. Premier Andrews candidly acknowledged the possibility of the cost reaching a staggering $7 billion, making it a fiscal nightmare for the state’s economy.
Besides the financial burden, other factors also weighed heavily on the Premier’s mind. Government priorities had evolved, necessitating a re-evaluation of the significance of the Commonwealth Games in the broader context of Victoria’s developmental and infrastructure goals. As the Premier asserted, directing these colossal funds into pressing regional health and housing initiatives could yield far-reaching benefits for the state's citizens, when compared to a two-week sporting event of declining interest and international relevance.
While financial considerations were undeniably pivotal, a deeper undercurrent of concern emerged from voices that transcended sports enthusiasts. The Premier’s decision struck a chord with individuals who have long been critical of graft and corruption plaguing elite sports, such as instances of malfeasance in prominent sporting events like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup often attributed to senior officials. Premier Andrews’ candidness about the escalating costs resonated with those who value transparency and financial responsibility in governance.
However, the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games did not come without its share of detractors. Athletes, who had been eagerly preparing to compete on the international stage, expressed their dismay – perhaps the disappointment felt by these sportspeople might give them a better understanding of the challenges that were faced by the music and entertainment industry during the COVID pandemic, where large events were cancelled at the last minute and many performers in the industry did not receive any of the Jobkeeper support that was offered to so many other people working in other industries.
The Premier’s decision was not made lightly. While acknowledging the heartache it may cause among athletes, he emphasised the long-term benefits of diverting resources towards pressing regional needs. The legacy of past sporting events, such as the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, loomed large, serving as a cautionary tale of budget overruns and limited tangible gains.
As the debate rages on, the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games has emerged as a politically polarising issue, pitting the desire for sports glory against the call for prudent fiscal governance. With the decision now set in stone, the focus shifts to the future and how the redirected resources will shape the well-being of Victoria’s communities and residents.
Media duplicity takes centre stage
Conservative media commentators, such as 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, have been vocal about their skepticism towards hosting the Commonwealth Games, ever since the Victoria made the decision in early 2022, way before the cancellation was made, and warned against potential financial risks and expressed doubts about the event’s overall financial viability:
“I’ve got an idea the government won’t like – cancel the Commonwealth Games – we just can't afford them. They now need to sit down with games authorities and say, as many cities have before, ‘we got a problem here’, find out what it would cost to get out of it. Other cities have done it. Other cities have struggled to make money. Why should this be any different in Victoria? Now the games might be a nice idea. Although I can’t imagine huge crowds turning out for what is really a jumped-up school sports. But even if you accept they’re a nice idea, we just can't afford them”.
Neil Mitchell, 22 May 2023.
And now that the government has done exactly what they were calling for – cancelling the Commonwealth Games – they’ve shifted their stance and are now criticising the Andrews government for cancelling the Games and allegedly causing “reputational damage” to Australia’s international image.
With the dust yet to settle, it remains uncertain how the cancellation will affect businesses in Victoria, particularly those that were anticipating an economic boost from the Games – although the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 failed to materialise any of the great economic benefits that were promised either. And, true to form, we can expect the conservative media to seek out cafe and gym owners, among others, to highlight how this cancellation will impact their livelihoods in some unexplained way, just to place the pressure back onto the Andrews government.
The aftermath: a partisan divide along political lines
As the dust settles on the decision to cancel the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the aftermath continues to unveil a polarised response along party lines. Some view the cancellation as part of a broader campaign to oppose anything associated with Premier Daniel Andrews and the Victoria Labor government. While the bitter disappointment felt by athletes is undeniable, there are now discussions about whether this could spell the end of the Commonwealth Games altogether.
Interestingly, the decision to cancel the Games may inadvertently be doing the world a favour by prompting a re-evaluation of how major sporting events are organised, especially given the long-term negative effects of these events on local economies and communities, and the high level of corruption and graft within these organisations that often casts a shadow on the integrity of such events.
Looking at the present, the decision to redirect the substantial budget of the Games towards more pressing issues in social housing, education, and healthcare resonates with those prioritising the welfare of Victoria’s citizens. While sports enthusiasts and fans may lament the lost opportunity for glory, the prospect of investing in long-lasting social benefits is a more prudent and responsible choice.
Nevertheless, the cancellation has not been without repercussions. Commercial stations, especially Seven West Media – the holders of the Commonwealth Games broadcasting rights – now face the challenge of reworking advertising strategies and budgets due to the sudden change in plans. On the other hand, questions have arisen regarding the ABC’s vehement opposition, considering their reliance on sports coverage for viewership is not as significant as commercial networks.
The broader role of sports in mainstream media has also been called into question. While sports reporting occupies a considerable portion of media space, not everyone finds it relevant or engaging. The decision to prioritise local sports, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure over hosting an event for the sake of an increasingly irrelevant sporting event is becoming a topic of interest for those who believe in channelling resources where they can create tangible, long-term benefits for the community.
As Victoria moves forward, the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games will continue to be a topic of debate and reflection. The decisions made in the wake of this event could shape the state’s future approach to hosting large-scale sporting events. The balance between showcasing Australia on the international stage and addressing critical domestic needs will remain a delicate consideration for policymakers and citizens alike.
While the disappointment felt by athletes is genuine, the ultimate test lies in whether Victoria will embrace this decision as a means to focus on social and economic development, or if the allure of hosting future sporting events will again tempt the state into pursuing potentially costly endeavours. The significance of this choice extends far beyond sports, resonating with broader questions of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and societal priorities. Only time will tell how this decision shapes the future landscape of Victoria and its standing on the global stage.