Basil Zempilas’ push for Perth to host 2026 Commonwealth Games wins support of mining magnate Gina Rinehart

Gina Rinehart is backing Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas’ push to bring the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Perth while urging governments to slash red tape to help make the dream a reality. Premier Mark McGowan has distanced his government from the proposal and has argued the Games could cost taxpayers billions of dollars. According to Mr McGowan, that money should be retained by the State for unforeseen costs that emerge as WA recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Rinehart, however, believes bringing the 2026 Games to Perth could unlock infrastructure and tourism investment while also putting WA and it’s produce on the world stage. “I would like to add my thanks to our Lord Mayor, Basil Zempilas, for his initiative to push for Perth to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” the West Australian mining magnate said. “This would provide a very welcome opportunity for Australian athletes to compete at home six years out from the Brisbane Olympics. “The athletes’ sustained hard work, dedication and efforts _ to be the best they can be _ provides such good role models for many of us. What a terrific idea to bring them to Perth. The State and Commonwealth governments need to begin rolling back regulations to help secure investment for facilities needed for the Games, according to Ms Rinehart. “We should start planning quickly, for improved infrastructure and tourist facilities,” she said. “And to encourage such investment, both governments _ Federal and State _ need to cut their government tape significantly. “Yes a culture change _ more tape leads to less investment, and less tape leads to more investment and rising living standards. “West Australians could then enjoy, not only improved infrastructure and tourist facilities, but also the excitement of hosting some of the world’s best athletes in our city.” Perth hosted the global sporting event in 1962 _ then known as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games _ and has won support from Commonwealth Games Australia to secure hosting rights for 2026. Mr Zempilas first flagged Perth hosting the 2026 Games immediately after Optus Stadium hosted September’s AFL Grand Final and urged the Premier to “seize the moment.” Federal Labor MP Patrick Gorman has also backed the bid, urging the Morrison Government to financially back the Games. “If we want to do it (the Federal Government) needs to provide the support as they have Queensland for the Olympics in 2032,” he told The West. when Mr Zempilas first pitched the idea.