Jacinta Allan was told of $1.9bn extra cost for Commonwealth Games four months before it was cancelled, inquiry hears

Department head says now Victorian premier was briefed on ‘revised budget requirements’, with $4.5bn estimate not approved

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

The government department tasked with overseeing the 2026 Commonwealth Games warned the now Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, four months before the event was cancelled that an extra $1.9bn would be required to host it in five regional cities.

Tim Ada, the secretary of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, has told a state upper house inquiry into the event’s cancellation that the estimated budget for hosting the Commonwealth Games grew from $2.6bn in March 2022 to $4.5bn a year later.

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

Continue reading…

About Author