Countries and sports have reacted with shock and anger at the announcement earlier by Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews that the Australian State had cancelled plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but the decision will have no impact on the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane, it was promised.

Andrews claimed that costs had risen from the original budget of AUD$2.6 billion (£1.3 billion/$1.7 billion/€1.5 billion) to at least AUD$6 billion (£3.1 billion/$4 billion/€3.6 billion).

Dame Louise blamed the Victorian Government for the budget increasing so much because they had "made decisions to add sports and regional hubs, and changed plans for venues, all of which have considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Australian Games Association (CGA)" in a letter seen by insidethegames.

She added, "We appreciate that this news will be distressing for you and want to reassure you that we are taking advice on the options available to us and remain committed to finding a solution that is in the best interest of our athletes and the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement."

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) were quick to reassure the international sports community that the decision would not affect preparations for Brisbane 2032 after a number of politicians called for the country to withdraw from the Olympics and Paralympics too. 

"The AOC shares many sports with Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA)," AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said.

"Clearly this is a blow to their ambitions for their athletes - and to promote participation in their sports and inspire future generations.

"The AOC will not comment on the Victorian Games model, cost of the Commonwealth Games themselves and what was proposed in infrastructure spending - they are matters for the Victorian Government and CGA.

"The Olympic Games financial model is significantly different to the Commonwealth Games, given the substantial investment by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) towards Games' costs.

"Equally, the IOC’s 'New Norm' approach seeks to reduce spending through the use of existing infrastructure wherever possible.

"Brisbane 2032 remains a shining beacon on the sporting horizon, providing inspiration for athletes, sports and the broader community."

For a number of countries and territories, the Commonwealth Games is a unique opportunity to compete under their own flags and left some fearing for the future of an event that is due to celebrate its centenary in 2030.

"Commonwealth Games Scotland is shocked to learn the news of the Victorian Government’s decision to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games," they said in a statement.

"On the back of a very successful Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games for both Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Sport Movement in general, our preparations were well underway for selecting, preparing and sending a team to Australia in three years’ time.

"The Games is the only opportunity for many athletes to compete under the Scottish flag, and we know how much that means to them, our sports and supporters.

"We share their disappointment with today’s announcement and recognise the uncertainty it creates for all parties.

"We will now take the time to assess its implications and await further news from the Commonwealth Games Federation on options for the Games in 2026."

Commonwealth Games England also urged the CGF to find a solution to ensure the event goes ahead as planned in three years’ time.

"This is hugely unsettling for Team England athletes and those across the Commonwealth who had Victoria 2026 in their sights," they said.

"We will be working with partners to support and understand potential solutions for the future."

Commonwealth Games Wales chair Gareth Davies, like most people, was shocked by the announcement.

"We were all very surprised to hear this news this morning," he said.

"It is disappointing but we, as one of 72 Commonwealth Games Association’s, will now support the CGF, as will all the other Commonwealth nations, I’m sure."

New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol admitted the decision to cancel an event on their doorstep was a massive blow.

"We are incredibly disappointed to learn that Victoria has withdrawn from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games," she said.

"This unexpected announcement is unsettling for New Zealand team athletes who were working towards a Games close to home in just under three years-time.

"We are looking to the Commonwealth Games Federation as it begins a process to appoint a new host for 2026."

It was not just countries planning to compete at Victoria 2026 who were left reeling by the decision to cancel them.

Costal rowing was due to make its Commonwealth Games debut at Victoria 2026, but this was the second blow this month after the Association of National Olympic Committees World Beach Games in Bali was also cancelled because of funding,

"Rowing Australia is disappointed at the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games," Rowing Australia chief operating officer Sarah Cook said.

"Rowing was set to make its return to the Commonwealth Games after a 40-year absence, through the discipline of coastal rowing,

"Coastal Rowing is a discipline of the sport with a growing profile, and we’re excited about the upcoming IOC decision on its inclusion at the LA28 and hopefully Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Shooting, controversially left off the Commonwealth Games programme at Birmingham 2022, was another sport left upset by the cancellation.

"An enormous contribution of time and effort went into shootings' bid to have our sport reinstated into the Commonwealth Games programme," shooting Australia chief executive Adam Sachs said.

"It is extremely unfortunate that this opportunity will now no longer be available to our athletes and our sport.

"Despite today’s news, I want to take the opportunity again, to thank Shooting Australia's member organisations and the wider target shooting community for their support and contribution over the previous 18 months.

"Our sport will continue to benefit from this type of collaboration moving forward as we work towards the opportunities ahead of us.

"Today’s announcement does not diminish the focus and support that Shooting Australia is bringing to the preparation of our athletes leading into the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and then onto Los Angeles in 2028 and a home Games in Brisbane in 2032."

Netball Australia, which last October signed a five-year partnership with tourism company Visit Victoria, struck a more sympathetic chord.

"Whilst we are disappointed our athletes won’t have the opportunity to showcase their skills in Victoria as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, we understand and respect the decision made by the Victorian Government today," Netball Australia chief executive Kelly Ryan said.

"Netball is a proud Commonwealth Games sport, and our Australian Origin Diamonds love every opportunity they get to play in front of a home crowd.

"We will continue to work closely with Commonwealth Games Australia as they explore suitable alternatives for the 2026 Commonwealth Games."