The last and only time Melbourne hosted the Olympics was in 1956.
In more recent history, an unsuccessful bit was made by the city in 1996. But talk re-emerged this week at an event for the Sports Diplomacy Foundation about making it a reality.
While it would come at a high cost to tax payers, Philip Dalidakis, Small Business, Innovation and Trade Minister, says being open to such an opportunity would go a long way in maintaining the city’s position as a major sporting capital both in Australia and abroad.
“It (wanting to hold the Olympics) is a simple question to answer, but there are a whole range of considerations that have to go on behind it because at the end of the day, we are also talking about tax payer funds,” he said at the event.
There has been talk of submitting a bid for 2032. However Brisbane has also shown particular interest for that year’s event.
But as the sporting capital of the country, it’s Melbourne that has Lord Mayor Sally Capp’s support.
“We already have some of the world’s best sporting facilities which are in walking distance to an amazing array of restaurants, bars and cafes,” she said.