Commonwealth Games
Lawyers hired to axe Commonwealth Games weeks before public knew
Moves to scupper the event began at least three weeks before the Victorian government told the public, leaving taxpayers with a legal bill of $1.27 million.
- by Rachel Eddie and Kieran Rooney
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Analysis
Political leadership
Victoria’s next premier hasn’t been thrown a hospital pass, but it won’t be easy
Daniel Andrews’ successor, likely to be Jacinta Allan, will inherit a huge political margin and weak opposition – as well as severe budget pain.
- by Josh Gordon
The highs and lows of Daniel Andrews’ premiership
After nine years in power, what is Daniel Andrews’ lasting legacy?
- by Rachel Eddie, Broede Carmody and Annika Smethurst
Victoria didn’t lean on witnesses to stonewall Games probe: Deputy premier
A Senate committee on Thursday accused the Victorian government of actively hindering its inquiry into the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- by Rachel Eddie
Victoria actively hindered Commonwealth Games inquiry: Senate committee
Premier Daniel Andrews declined to give evidence, but the committee heard he wrote to witnesses to warn them against disclosing information viewed as confidential.
- by Rachel Eddie
‘A Games anywhere is better than no Games’: Victoria’s call could move it to 2027
The Commonwealth Games could be delayed one year and scaled down as multiple inquiries grapple with how Victoria’s rushed and extravagant event spun out of control.
- by Kieran Rooney and Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Victorian budget
Consultants had just days to cost four new Commonwealth Games sports
Four sports were added to the lineup for the now-cancelled Commonwealth Games in the final weeks of work for the 2022 planning documents.
- by Rachel Eddie
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For subscribers
The scheme to house Games staff in 10,000 caravans – and how it fell apart
When a looming Commonwealth Games accommodation shortage emerged, the local caravan industry was thrilled to be part of the solution – until they were asked to supply thousands of mobile homes for free.
- by Kieran Rooney
Ballarat wanted an inner-city Games athletes’ village. The government chose an industrial site instead
The Committee for Ballarat says the government ignored its requests to improve housing in the inner city.
- by Kieran Rooney
Gold Coast wants Victoria’s $380m to pay for its 2026 Games bid
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate wants to put the $380 million that Victorian taxpayers must pay in compensation for cancelling the 2026 Commonwealth Games towards hosting the event in his city.
- by Kieran Rooney
Updated
Victorian Parliament
‘Noble objective’: Former minister defends Victoria’s regional Comm Games plan
Former Victorian major events minister Martin Pakula has also disputed claims that Victoria ruled out federal funding for the Commonwealth Games at a Senate inquiry.
- by Kieran Rooney