The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
Gina Rinehart has reportedly breathed new life into the Gold Coast’s bid to rescue the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
According to News Corp, the billionaire businesswoman has joined forces with major sporting bodies to provide support for Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate in his audacious attempt to salvage the Games, which were dumped by Victoria last month.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews explained that the huge costs behind hosting the Games were unjustifiable, and a number of cities have since distanced themselves from taking on hosting duties.
Reports suggest that Rinehart is not willing to bankroll the Games herself, which have been estimated to cost over $1billion, but she has offered to do whatever else she can to secure the event for the city.
Tate has faced opposition from federal and state governments, who have stressed that Queensland should remain focused on hosting the 2032 Olympics.
Gina Rinehart has made a surprise intervention to support the Gold Coast’s Commonwealth Games bid
The city has made an audacious attempt to rescue the Games after Victoria pulled out
State premier Daniel Andrews claimed the Games will be too costly to host
Rinehart has not committed to bankroll the event but said she will offer her support
However, Rinehart – who is worth an estimated $41billion – has offered the bid a lifeline, with Swimming Queensland, Volleyball Australia and Artistic Swimming Australia also supporting the bid.
‘Having seen the joy that athletes and their families experienced when competing in front of a home crowd for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Mrs Rinehart would certainly welcome the 2026 event to again be held in Australia, especially at the Gold Coast, where it was run so successfully before,’ the magnate’s spokesman said.
Tate also lauded Rinehart’s surprise involvement, insisting it was ‘fantastic’ for the bid.
‘Her statement sends a clear message: we must show what we are capable of as a country,’ Tate said.
‘The Aussie athletes deserve it, as does every young kid who dreams of representing their country.’
‘The momentum behind a 2026 Gold Coast Games is growing.
‘Every news poll has shown overwhelming support – and the irony is that we are not even asking for additional funds from the Federal Government; I simply want the Federal Treasurer to redirect the funds they had planned for Vic2026 to us.
‘We will take it from there and I’m well advised that if we do manage to save the 2026 Games, the Commonwealth Games Federation may reconsider its legal action against the state of Victoria. That alone could save Victorian taxpayers up to $900 million in costs for the contract breach.’
