Commonwealth Games bid hampered by ‘tight’ timeline
Rachael Ward |
Consultants had six weeks over the Christmas period to develop a business case for Victoria’s now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games bid, a process that would usually take years.
They were unable to visit any venues due to the short turnaround time, and confidentially agreements stopped them from speaking to potential suppliers or partners, Ernst and Young partner Dean Yates told a parliamentary inquiry on Tuesday.
Mr Yates said the timeline from mid-December 2021 to the end of January 2022 was “particularly tight” and there were significant limitations, but all risks were comprehensively outlined.
Victoria withdrew from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games after former premier Daniel Andrews claimed the forecast expenses had nearly doubled to between $6 billion and $7 billion.
Consultants from Ernst and Young, DHW Ludus and MI Associates were involved in the report, and all stood by their work when questioned at the inquiry.
“The highly confidential nature of this engagement meant that no fieldwork, such as formal inspection of the potential venues, for example, could be undertaken (by the consultants),” Mr Yates said.
“Nor could any consultation take place with any potential suppliers, partners or other parties.”
He said it was widely understood costings in the report would need to be validated and tested.
Mr Yates said the bid process, including developing a business case, usually takes place over a period of years, but consultants were charged with working towards a six-week timeline.
He said he was surprised the event was scrapped, because Ernst and Young was not involved in providing the updated cost estimate later used by Mr Andrews to cancel the Games.
A submission to the inquiry from Athletics Australia claimed the cancellation hurt athletes and the nation’s reputation, causing “immeasurable” upheaval.
President Jane Flemming and director Steve Moneghetti said they have not sought an apology from the Victorian government but instead want infrastructure meant to be built for the Games to still go ahead.
Mr Moneghetti said athletes needing to train are often “locked out” of Victorian facilities because commercial bookings from schools take priority, suggesting athletics does not get as much attention from the state government as other sports.
“Why in athletics are we treated like second class citizens?” he asked.
“The Commonwealth Games being cancelled is just further demonstration (of that).”
The Gold Coast had thrown its hat into the 2026 hosting ring, but mayor Tom Tate ended the city’s $700 million bid after failing to generate support from the state or federal governments.
AAP
