Commonwealth Games Australia Unaware of Cost Blowout Until Too Late

At the inquiry looking into the axing of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, it was revealed that Commonwealth Games Australia had no indication the 12-day sporting event was in jeopardy of not going ahead when meeting with then Games Delivery Minister, Jacinta Allan in April.

Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips says looking back he picked up some signals but beyond that, nothing.

Phillips says they “got the impression that she was very confident the budget would be available” and Victoria’s decision to scrap the Games has impacted the event’s global standing.

Victoria pulled the pin on hosting the Games across regional areas in July, citing its original estimated cost blowing out from $2.6 billion to up to $7 billion.