A Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the cancellation of the 2026 regional Commonwealth Games has begun, with the state opposition claiming the cost of abandoning the event will exceed $500 million.
The Coalition said that figure included $380 million in compensation, $43 million in operating grants, more than $21 million for athletes’ villages, $19 million on competition venues and more than $6 million for Victoria Police security initiatives.
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said other associated costs committed to the games were still to be revealed, and a final figure was yet to be determined.
“For regions like Shepparton District, the economic benefits of hosting the games have been lost, and while the (state) government promised upgrades to the Shepparton BMX track, which was to host events, there is no detail or financial commitment to that project,” she said.
The Nationals MP criticised Premier Jacinta Allan for not agreeing to appear before the public hearings.
“As the former Minister for the Commonwealth Games Delivery, Premier Allan should willingly provide insight into how costs blew out from $2.5 billion to almost $8 billion, that led to the shock cancellation of the games that no-one saw coming,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The government must take responsibility for their financial decisions and the massive detrimental impact their financial mismanagement is having on our state.”
The inquiry will also look at what led to the games’ cancellation, including the advice provided to the government.
It will also examine the impact of the cancellation on Victoria’s reputation and the state’s business and tourism sector.
People can make a submission to the inquiry until Monday, October 23.
For more information, visit new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/inquiry-into-the-2026-commonwealth-games-bid/