A senior official for the Commonwealth Games has called Dan Andrews “disrespectful” and questioned his claims that the event would cost up to $7 billion.
Mr Andrews blindsided the sporting world and the federal government by pulling the pin on the 2026 Games, which were due to be hosted in regional Victoria.
He said the cost blowout of hosting the event, which he said had increased from $2bn to beyond $6bn, did not represent value for money for the state.
But this claim has now been called into question.
Kereyn Smith, vice-president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), told ABC’s 7.30 programme that when she received a budget predication last month the figure was closer to $3 billion.
“The last time there was any conversation at the board table around figures around Victoria, it was getting up towards the $3 billion conversation,” Ms Smith said.
“Certainly that $6 to $7 billion was not something that we had ever heard.”
She also said the CGF would be seeking compensation from Victoria.
“This is a significant undertaking. And when you sign up to games, be it Olympic or Commonwealth, there are guarantees, there are commitments, and there are contractual obligations,” Ms Smith said.
“So, I guess that’s why the dismay and the shock that these other parties seemingly were not even involved or consulted about the decision.”
Ms Smith’s 7.30 appearance came shortly before The Herald Sun published new accusations that Mr Andrews had blatantly spun his decision with dubious arguments.
Mr Andrews claimed Victoria had only agreed to host the Games in the first place because they “needed a host city to step in at the last minute”. He said Victoria was willing to help, but “not at any price”.
The Herald Sun reports that a delegation from Visit Victoria proposed a regional Games, in person, to the Commonwealth Games Federation president in December of 2021, three months before Mr Andrews publicly expressed interest in the idea.
The secret meeting was unconventional enough that Visit Victoria was instructed to consult with Commonwealth Games Australia, which had not been included in the approach.
“The Commonwealth Games Federation did not ask them to rescue the Games,” one insider told the newspaper.
“Visit Victoria chased the Games, not vice versa.”
Ms Smith also called into question Mr Andrews’ integrity after officials were only told the games would not go ahead in Victoria an hour before the public announcement.
Speaking at a press conference Mr Andrews said: “I’ve made a lot of very difficult decisions in this job.
“This is not one of them.
“Frankly, $6 to $7 billion for a 12-day sporting event — we’re not doing that.
“That does not represent value for money.”
Ms Smith said officials were “speechless” after learning of Mr Andrews decision on a zoom call.
“It was very disrespectful for the magnitude of that decision, and the significance that it has for Australian sport,” she said.
“I also felt very disrespected. That was disrespectful to [the] Commonwealth Games movement.”
Ms Smith said that the abandoned games were also a shame for Australia’s First Nations people.
“I was incredibly impressed when I was in Victoria, with some of the First Nations planning, you know, and, and the reconciliation work and how those communities were going to be involved in a global event and the excitement and inspiration,” she said.
“That’s what I thought that Victoria had signed up for.”
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has said a Senate committee will investigate what happened with the planning for the games and the decision to cancel them.
