CREDIT: AAP IMAGE / JAMES ROSS
More Questions Arise Over Government Competency and Taxpayer Funds Usage
In a move that is sure to raise eyebrows and ignite public debate, the State of Victoria has agreed to pay a staggering AUD $380 million to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Commonwealth Games Federation Partnerships (CGFP), and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) following the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The settlement, reached after months of confidential negotiations and mediated by prominent legal figures, sparks questions about the government’s competency in initially putting forth a bid and the subsequent wastage of taxpayer funds.
The cancellation announcement, which came in July 2023, revealed that Victoria would be withdrawing from its hosting responsibilities for the multi-hub regional 2026 Commonwealth Games. The decision led to a series of behind-the-scenes discussions between the State of Victoria and the affected parties, aiming to find a resolution to the cancellation fallout. Former New Zealand Judge, the Honourable Kit Toogood KC, and former Chief Justice of the WA Supreme Court, the Honourable Wayne Martin AC KC, were appointed as joint mediators to guide the discussions.
While all parties involved, including the State of Victoria, CGF, CGFP, and CGA, have highlighted the respectful nature of the negotiations and their willingness to make concessions, the financial outcome sparks more skepticism. The State of Victoria’s agreement to pay a significant sum of AUD $380 million to the Commonwealth Games parties as part of the settlement has raised questions about the competency of the government’s decision to bid for the games in the first place.
Moreover, the revelation that the multi-hub regional model, which was initially touted as an innovative approach to hosting the games, turned out to be more expensive than traditional models has added to the public’s frustration. The fact that taxpayer funds are now being used to compensate for a venture that ultimately led to nothing has further exacerbated concerns.
Critics have been quick to question why the government decided to put in a bid without fully considering the potential risks and financial implications. The immense cost of the settlement has prompted inquiries into whether proper due diligence was conducted before submitting the bid, and whether taxpayer money was used responsibly in the process.
Despite the settlement being supported by the mediators and legally binding all parties involved from disclosing specific details, the lack of transparency in the settlement terms has only fuelled suspicions and raised more questions than answers. The finality of the settlement, while seemingly resolving the disputes between the parties, does little to assuage the concerns of taxpayers who are left wondering about the allocation of their hard-earned money.
As the aftermath of the cancelled Commonwealth Games bid continues to unfold, the competency of the government’s initial decision-making process and its handling of taxpayer funds remain subjects of intense scrutiny. The Victorian government will now need to grapple with not only the financial repercussions of this settlement but also the erosion of public trust in its ability to make prudent decisions on behalf of its citizens.
