Why Sydney would be reluctant to host

The group’s other idea, which has an accidental appeal, is to use the games as a sort of kick-off event for the forthcoming Western Sydney Airport, due to open in 2026. They could delay them by six months or a year to make sure the airport is ready. Force or encourage everyone to fly in through Nancy-Bird Walton instead of Kingsford Smith.

Eamon Waterford, executive chairman of the Committee for Sydney, another think tank and lobby affiliate, also hailed Sydney 2026 enthusiastically.

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“As the home of major events and sporting excellence, Sydney is ready and very willing to host the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “We have the venues, the talent and the track record of hosting major events to get started hosting the Games right away.”

The city may be willing, but the government is reluctant. Minns said he could understand people’s inherent hope that Sydney could fill the gap, but there was a reason the previous government turned down an offer. Our wallet is also pretty empty.

When asked if NSW would consider hosting the event in any shape or form if the Federation was begging, Minns bluntly replied: “No.”

Oh well. That’s not surprising given the government’s reluctance to commit money to ABBA itself.

A few billion dollars is a big price to pay for the Commonwealth Games. But when it comes to sports, visiting Melbourne – “the big events capital of Australia”? This is priceless.

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