Daniel Andrews, the premier of Victoria, has dismissed inquiries about a potential appearance before an investigation looking into the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
In order to look into the preparations for the occasion as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane in 2032, a Senate committee was established earlier this year.
Public hearings are scheduled for places including the host cities of the Commonwealth Games, Geelong and Bendigo, at the end of the following month after submissions closed in late May.
However, Bridget McKenzie, a shadow minister for regional development, transport and infrastructure, said on Tuesday that the committee had decided to reconsider submissions in light of Mr Andrews’ declaration last week that Victoria was cancelling its hosting responsibilities.
Shortly after Ms. McKenzie’s admission, Mr. Andrews was questioned about whether he would agree to testify before the committee.
The Premier remarked, “That’s an issue for her and the Senate.
“Since I haven’t received an invitation, I won’t be discussing entirely speculative issues.
“Once more, there’s a negotiation going on, and we’ll respect that appropriately.”
Concerns over Victoria’s capacity to hold the games across several rural cities, according to Ms. McKenzie, were voiced months before the Andrews administration cancelled the event.
We first brought up these concerns in January after learning late last year that there were problems with the rollout, she said.
“And establish a committee investigation to begin investigating the Olympic Games’ rollout through our Senate inquiry procedure.
“Now that we were planning to hold hearings in Geelong and Bendigo in August, we have collected submissions.
However, following last week’s unexpected announcement, the committee decided this morning to revisit submissions and genuinely request new submissions from those parties who have already undoubtedly provided us with evidence.
We are aware that many people currently have a distinctive viewpoint on what went wrong, where it happened, and why.
According to Ms. McKenzie, the committee will look into the financial effects, the timing of the decision to cancel the games, and any lessons that may be drawn from the experience.
She stated that there would be “international stakeholders who would be very, very keen to set the record straight” in addition to the Premier and accountable ministers, including Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan.
According to Ms. McKenzie, the committee has the authority to subpoena both private individuals and businesses.
“In terms of the Premier and his ministers, I think one of the great privileges of being a minister and a leader in our parliamentary system is that you get to make decisions,” she said.
He claimed he made a decision and doesn’t regret it at all. He now has the chance to explain his choice to Australians and to voluntarily subject to accountability and transparency procedures.
If he truly stands by his choice, here is his chance to convince the larger Australian public that he did the right thing, that his choice was justified, and that we should support it.
Mr. Andrews announced last week that Victoria will not proceed with the 2026 event since the original planned cost of $2.6 billion had ballooned to $6–7 billion.
The state government is considering paying hundreds of millions of dollars for cancelling the event as part of ongoing negotiations with the Commonwealth Games Federation.
