The key focus of this report is the processes surrounding the bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria and their subsequent cancellation. It is a matter of public record that the Victorian Labor government pulled out of hosting the Games when the projected costs exceeded the initial costings. The original costings were based on a business case produced by consultants commissioned by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

The Committee found the Department put limitations on the consultants, including an unreasonably short timeframe and strict confidentiality conditions. As a result, there was little time to verify costings and an inability to consult with key stakeholders. These factors contributed to an underestimation of the costings.

The Committee has heard it would have been the first major multi-sport event across five host cities. This made it all the more important to produce a considered, methodical analysis of the costs and benefits. Evidence suggests this was not the case.

Report overview:

• Chapter 2 discusses the barriers faced by the Committee in accessing information about the 2026 Commonwealth Games from the Victorian government and key individuals with knowledge of the Games.
• Chapter 3 looks at the timeline of Victoria’s Commonwealth Games bid, from its inception to its cancellation, according to the information received by the Committee. It analyses governance processes and probity in relation to the Games at key stages. Most notably in the lead up to the Cabinet approval for the Games, and later when it was decided the Games should be cancelled.
• Chapter 4 provides a summary of the evidence received so far about the impact of the cancellation of the Games. This includes the impact on sporting organisations, participants, and the cities and regions that were due to host the Games. A list of themes and issues the Committee may explore in the final report is also included.