The Commonwealth Games inquiry held public hearings in Bendigo today.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the hearings highlighted the Labor State Government’s poor planning in the lead up to the Games, and continuing uncertainty regarding legacy funding.
“The Moteliers Association talked about the lack of direct consultation by the government in the lead up to the games, and concerns of members with a 1000 to 2000 daily shortfall of beds in the region during the Commonwealth Games,” Ms Broad said.
“The Bendigo Cycling Club highlighted the critical pathway that the Games provides for athletes to perform at the elite level that was lost with the cancellation of the event. In speaking about plans for the Games, club secretary Glenn Harrison also said the promised ‘temporary velodrome was a very ambitious goal’.
“The City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney confirmed that they were shocked to hear the news that the Commonwealth Games had been cancelled, and none of the legacy projects announced have progressed.
“Latrobe University shared their community survey findings which acknowledged missed opportunities by cancelling the event. There was an understanding that in order to host an international sporting event in regional areas, it was clear that upgrades were needed.”
Ms Broad said: “The Allan Labor State Government’s handling of the Commonwealth Games is the worst project planning in the state’s history.
“From the evidence presented it’s clear that the State Government did not undertake proper planning. Nearly nine months since the Games were cancelled local communities are still in the dark about funding, with no details about legacy projects,” Ms Broad said.
“I’m grateful to my Nationals colleague Melina Bath and members of the Committee for their work on this inquiry.
“The Labor State Government would like people to forget about the Commonwealth Games, but when it comes to the management of taxpayer funds, upholding transparency and accountability is vital.”
For further information about the inquiry visit the Committee’s website: Hearing for Inquiry into the 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid (parliament.vic.gov.au)
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au