State scrutiny for Games reversal

A STATE parliamentary committee will investigate the Andrews Government’s cancellation of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Opposition and crossbench MPs in the Legislative Council unanimously voted last week to establish a nine-member inquiry to examine the government’s handling of last month’s controversial decision.

The committee will investigate potential governance failures in the government’s bid and termination, reputational and economic impacts of the cancellation, and ongoing delivery of promised infrastructure and housing projects, among other issues.

The committee will consist of three Labor MPs, three from the Liberal-National Coalition and three from the remaining parties and independents.

An interim report will be due in April next year, before a final report in April 2025.

Liberal Member for Western Victoria Joe McCracken said the committee was “a win for integrity”.

“This committee will shine a light on exactly what went so wrong with the failed 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.”

“The committee will investigate costings, planning, potential undue interference, as well as hear from impacted sporting associations, business and community groups.

“Millions, if not billions, have been wasted on the cancelled Commonwealth Games.

“Did the government do its due diligence? How much will it cost Victoria to exit the Games? What is the impact on athletes? These are all questions we can now get answers to.”

The Andrews Government has so far remained tight-lipped on how much money it has sunk into the event and the cost of cancellation as negotiations continue with London-based Games chiefs.

It has promised to spend $2 billion across regional Victoria on sporting infrastructure, housing and tourism initiatives to deliver the promised legacy benefits of the sporting event.

Ahead of the vote to establish the inquiry, the Andrews Government narrowly lost its attempt to amend the motion to instead refer the issue to Victoria’s Auditor-General.

Former minister for Commonwealth games legacy Harriet Shing argued the Coalition had previously suggested that idea.

“This goes to a position that they are already on the public record as supporting. To oppose this amendment would be worse than churlish, it would show that in fact this motion itself does not go beyond a stunt,” she said.