“We obviously love Bells Beach, we love that event. But the first event this year, due to the pandemic and the challenging circumstances, has to happen in NSW because that’s where the charter’s landing,” he told The Today Show on Sunday.

“It’s a tough decision happening in global sport right now but we’ve just got stay alive and keep the tour alive.”

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Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said he wasn’t aware of the details of what difference the NSW government offered organisers compared to Victoria, but said Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula is currently in talks to have the first instalment of the series return to Bells Beach next year.

“As I understand it Mr Pakula and his team are working through those issues to make sure that in 2022, the Rip Curl Pro returns to its traditional home,” he told reporters on Sunday morning.

But Victorian opposition leader Michael O’Brien said the state government’s “dithering has let NSW swoop and grab the coveted Easter slot” for the tournament, due to take place on April 1-11.

“Major events are vital to Victoria’s economy and our confidence,” he said in a post on Facebook.

“This isn’t just a blow to jobs on the Surf Coast, it’s a blow to our claim as the major events capital of Australia.”