‘Torched’: Andrews’ cancelled Games bill jumps by $40m
The Victorian government’s bill for the cancelled Commonwealth Games has risen by another $40 million after fresh documents revealed Labor’s spending on consultants and venues.
Details of the costs were released on Wednesday through a questionnaire that was filled out by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in response to an upper house inquiry into the cancelled Games, which begins next week.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan held the Commonwealth Games delivery portfolio. Joe Armao
The government spent $21.6 million on consultants to help plan permanent and relocatable housing in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Morwell to accommodate 7000 athletes and team officials, according to the documents, despite an initial budget for the task of $1 million.
The work included the appointment of design consultants and advancement of master plans, site assessments, and ecological, survey and geotechnical works, as well as community consultation.
The documents also revealed $19 million was spent on preparing venues in Ballarat and Geelong.
Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto said Labor had “torched” another $21 million for an “event that never happened”, after revelations the government had also spent $1.3 million engaging lawyers to negotiate the fallout of the Games cancellation.
“They had a budget of $1 million but it blew out to $21 million because Labor simply can’t manage money,” Mr Pesutto said.
Law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler received $1,265,982 for “legal services regarding withdrawal from hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games”, according to the documents.
The legal work was said to have begun in June, meaningformer premier Daniel Andrews engaged the law firm at least three weeks before informing the public.
Mr Andrews cancelled
Read more on afr.com
