This Australian state has refused to host Commonwealth Games, ‘not a difficult decision’, says Premier; here's why

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Also read: Japan Accuses Australia of Betrayal in Fight Over Natural-Gas Exports The multi-sport event, featuring 20 sports and 26 disciplines, was planned to be held across five regional hubs in Victoria. However, Andrews' team explored cost-cutting options, including reducing the number of hubs or moving the Games to Melbourne, but found them unfeasible.

Instead, the state announced a Aus$2 billion support package for regional Victoria. “I will not take money out of hospitals and schools to host an event that is three times the cost estimated and budgeted for last year," he said.

The Commonwealth Games Federation expressed disappointment with the decision and stated, “We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours' notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions prior to this decision being reached by the government".  The Federation claimed that Victoria had deviated from the agreed-upon plans and incurred additional expenses against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia. Also read: WTC Final 2023: 'It's better to stay a bit underdone', says Australia captain Pat Cummins The withdrawal of Victoria as the host leaves the fate of the Games uncertain, as fewer countries have shown interest in hosting the event, which is seen as losing its relevance.

The Federation, however, remains committed to finding a solution in the best interest of the athletes and the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The Commonwealth Games typically attract over 4,000 athletes from the 54 nations of the Commonwealth, most of which are former territories of the British Empire.