The final report from the inquiry into the 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid presents 62 findings and 6 recommendations. These focus on the critical decision-making and process failures – from the conception of the idea through to the decision to withdraw from hosting the Games. 

The report finds that the bid was was overly ambitious and not feasible in the timeframe. It notes that the Victorian Government’s withdrawal from hosting the Games was a direct result of a series of failures during the bid and project approval stages. It finds that the decision to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games was the correct decision at that time.

Recommendations

1. Subject to the learnings from the Commonwealth Games withdrawal, the Victorian Government should continue to pursue events that are of benefit to Victoria.
2. The Department of Treasury and Finance amends the Investment lifecycle and high value high risk guidelines to require business cases for all projects estimated over $250 million to be assessed as high value high risk.
3. In consultation with the Auditor-General, a review of the implementation of the high value high risk guidelines be
   undertaken to ensure that learnings can be incorporated to prevent further similar failures.
4. The Department of Treasury and Finance should subsequently report annually on the success and implementation of high value high risk guidelines.
5. Consider the process for assessing claims of executive privilege, noting that to date the process of appointing a legal arbiter has never been used.
6. Given the failure of the key ministers and staff to appear before the Inquiry, the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee should be referred an inquiry for the purpose of holding public hearings with the relevant ministers and former ministers.