Andrews hit over Games debacle

Commonwealth Games Australia has accused former premier Daniel Andrews of trying to “trash the brand with the Australian public” for political benefit after tearing up a contract to host the 2026 event.

The sporting body’s annual report was released this week, and shows almost $32m of the $380m Victorian taxpayers forked out to kill off the 2026 contract with the Commonwealth Games Federation went to CGA to help its athletes who will now compete overseas.

CGA chief executive Craig Phillips does not hold back in describing the past year as “unlike any we have experienced” and took aim at Mr Andrews.

“The decision of the Andrews-Allan government to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Games placed immense pressure on the Commonwealth Sport Movement brand,” he said.

“At times it even seemed that, for his own political expediency, then premier Andrews, was attempting to trash the brand with the Australian public.

“CGA is steadfast in its view that the Commonwealth Games and, in particular our team, remains much loved and respected by Australians.”

In the report CGA president Ben Houston said the “decision shocked the nation and called into question Australia’s integrity to host world-class events”.

“The costs of cancelling the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games are enormous,” he said.

“In addition to the reputational damage caused, the government was also required to pay a settlement amount of $380m.”

Mr Andrews signed up to host the 2026 Games across five regional cities, including Geelong, announcing details in the lead-up to the 2022 state election. But in July, 2023, he dumped the deal, saying the event’s initial $2.6bn budget had blown out to $6-7bn.

Analysis by the Victorian Auditor-General Andrew Greaves said that figure was overstated and overall costs were on track to hit $4.9bn. Mr Greaves found the cancelled event had cost Victoria $589m.