The Latest Breaking News from Victoria

Australian Games body slams Victorian government, calling predicted blowout a ‘gross exaggeration’

The future of the Commonwealth Games has been thrown into doubt after the 2026 hosts dramatically pulled out today.

The state’s premier Daniel Andrews announced the withdrawal on Tuesday.

The event has only ever been cancelled once before due to World War II

The Australian state of Victoria has pulled out of hosting the Games less than three years before the start, citing spiralling costs. Now cities across the Commonwealth are lining up to say ‘no’ to staging the event

The decision made over cost concerns represents a major blow for an event that has lost relevance in recent years.

The 2026 Games, which Daniel Andrews announced would be cancelled, was set to be held across Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton

Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday that the Victorian government has withdrawn from its commitment to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing an anticipated cost blowout from an original estimate of A$2.6 billion to over $6-$7 billion.

The future of the Commonwealth Games have been cast in doubt after Victoria pulled out of plans to host the event in 2026 due to spiralling costs.

Games federation says they are ‘hugely disappointed’ with Victoria’s decision

For those that believe in the power of sport there will always be a place for major events. But do the Games deserve that place?