Push for a republic questions arise after two countries pull out of Commonwealth Games
As Canada pulls the pin on hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 just weeks after Victoria scrapped the 2026 games, the state government has partly been blamed for throwing the future of the event into limbo.
The Canadian Commonwealth Games council pointed some blame at the Victorian government for the decision to pull out of hosting the 2030 games.
“We believe the recent decision by the Victorian government to withdraw from the 2026 Commonwealth Games was a significant factor in Alberta’s decision, as well as an over-dependence on taxpayer’s support for the planning and delivery of the Games,” the council said yesterday.
Director of Western Sydney Women Amanda Rose said the move from Victoria and Canada appears to be a push towards republicanism.
“It’s not a coincidence that now Victoria now Canada are wanting to pull out,” she told Weekend Today.
“I’m very suspicious of this.”
Rose said the Commonwealth Games remain important as a representation of athletes and acts as the “precursor” for the Olympics.
“It was the second biggest competition for them to prepare for it,” she said.
“I think it’s quite selfish to say ‘sorry, we’re not doing it any more’, without finding an alternative.”
Coast FM’s Nikki Parkinson said the Commonwealth Games is an opportunity for young people to see athletes at the top of their game.
“I really hope they can find some funding from somewhere,” she said.
Local Canadian media has reported unfeasible financials for the proposed event – similar to the cost blowouts cited by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews – is behind the decision.
Andrews was blasted for his decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games.
Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips said at the time the government “had jeopardised Melbourne and Victoria’s standing as a sporting capital of the world”.
He added the cancellation was a disappointment to athletes, host communities and First Nations Australians.
Andrews defended the decision as the games were “not in the interest” of Victorian taxpayers.
