Several cities had been interested in bidding but the Government had originally said they would not back any of them because they wanted to concentrate on its efforts to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

 

But Rudd has now said that he will support a bid from the Gold Coast after Queensland Premier Anna Bligh wrote to him asking him to change his mind, as reported on insidethegames yesterday.

 

A spokesman for Rudd said: "The Federal Government is supportive of Queensland's bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, recognising the benefits it would bring Queensland and the nation."

 

But Rudd warned that financial support woud be limited because the Government has already pledged A$45 million (£22 million) towards the World Cup bid, where Australia's opponents will include England, who are the favourites to be awarded the 2018 tournament.

 

The spokesman said: "Given the already announced commitment to support Football Federation of Australia's bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the impact of the global recession, it is unlikely that significant Federal financial support would be available for hosting the Commonwealth Games in the same year."

 

Abuja, the Nigerian capital that lost out on the chance to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow, has already declared its intention to bid for 2018 while candidates are also expected to emerge from Durban, Nairobi and New Zealand.

 

Trinidad & Tobago are also considering bidding.

 

A decision is due in 2011.

 

Australia last staged the Commonwealth Games at Melbourne in 2006.