Details have emerged about the Victorian Government’s decision to scrap the Commonwealth Games. 

A recent interim report from a Nationals-led Senate committee has shed light on the unfolding debacle.

The report not only accuses the state government of trying to stifle scrutiny but also reveals that key witnesses were discouraged from participating in the inquiry through intimidating letters. 

According to the report, the Victorian government not only failed to cooperate with the inquiry but actively obstructed the involvement of other witnesses.

Senator Matt Canavan, chair of the inquiry, alleged that Premier Daniel Andrews was running an “unprecedented protection racket” by refusing to attend hearings, a charge dismissed by the premier as a “political stunt”. 

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan explained that the letters were merely reminders of confidentiality agreements, asserting that they did not deter individuals from appearing before the inquiry.

With the clock ticking to find a new host, the Senate inquiry recommends federal intervention to “salvage” the Games. 

The report also helps piece together the timeline behind the bold decision. 

In 2019, warnings emerged that Victoria might struggle to host the Games by 2030. A task force suggested waiting until 2034 or later for a regional Victorian bid.

In 2021, a $1.4 billion proposal was presented to senior government staff, nearly a quarter of the eventual cost. Melbourne was to be the host city, with events spread across regional centres.

January 2022 saw the first signs of trouble as assessments revealed that proposed venues were ill-suited for major events. The government shifted some sports and invested millions in temporary structures.

In April 2022, Victoria announced it would host the 2026 Games, projecting job creation and a $3 billion boost to the economy. However, the budget proved grossly underestimated.

March 2023 saw warnings from Greater Geelong about its inability to host the event, citing inadequate consultation and unanswered concerns.

In May, funding details vanished from state and federal budgets, with Victoria insisting on its $2.6 billion commitment from the previous year.

July brought the shocking cancellation, with a price tag of $6-7 billion, which the state claimed it could not afford. 

This led to disputes with Commonwealth Games Australia and the Commonwealth Games Federation, who accused the government of making costly decisions without consulting them.

In August, taxpayers were saddled with a $380 million compensation bill, and a new business case revealed major underestimations in transport, security, contingency, and athletes' village costs.

September brought the Senate inquiry's interim report, leaving key questions unanswered, while further investigations by a Victorian parliamentary inquiry and the Victorian Auditor-General await resolution.