Neil Mitchell urges state government to backflip on Commonwealth Games

With state debt skyrocketing, Neil Mitchell says the Andrews government should call off the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The cost of hosting the event is estimated at almost $3 billion, and the 3AW Mornings host says history indicates the state won’t recover that cost. A KPMG report on the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games said the event cost $2.9 billion and brought in only $1.6 billion.

“The budget will be tough — taxes will go up, spending will be cut. In that environment can we really afford the Commonwealth Games?,” Neil said.

Press PLAY below to hear Neil’s view

Victoria’s shadow finance minister, Jess Wilson, says if the event goes ahead it must be efficient and provide “legacy infrastructure”.

Press PLAY below to hear her thoughts