Commonwealth Games cost blowout known by government for months, Daniel Andrews confirms

Victorian premier says it is possible a $5bn budget allocation was proposed earlier this year, prior to Games being cancelled

Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Daniel Andrews says he has been aware for months that the cost of Victoria hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games had increased beyond the original $2.6bn budget, but would not confirm if state Treasury officials rejected a bid to increase it to $5bn.

The premier said there may have been a proposal by the agency responsible for delivering the Games for an increased funding allocation ahead of the state budget in May, as reported by the Age.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup

Continue reading…

About Author