“Con Games” confirmed: Labor’s $589 million Commonwealth catastrophe

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed the Allan Labor Government following the release of a scathing report into the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games – labelling it a gross failure of governance, accountability, and financial management.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Mr McCurdy expressed outrage at the waste, saying:“Our region is home to some of the worst roads in Australia, while the Allan Government has flushed $589 million down the drain on the Commonwealth Games con. All of Victoria’s regional roads could have been fixed if not for this absolute scam committed by the Premier of this state.”

The inquiry, which heard from 89 witnesses across 18 months, exposed a trail of incompetence, secrecy, and mismanagement. Despite efforts by the Allan Labor Government to block the investigation, the report revealed inflated costings, poor planning, and a disturbing lack of transparency.

“It’s disgraceful that Ministers – including now Premier Jacinta Allan – refused to appear at hearings and withheld critical documents,” Mr McCurdy said. “This wasn’t just mismanagement – it was a cover-up.”

The Auditor-General’s report confirmed Labor’s costings were “overstated and not transparent,” with at least $589 million wasted and not a single event delivered.

“Labor’s reckless decisions have shattered the hopes of regional communities who were promised legacy projects, jobs, and opportunities,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Where is the apology from Jacinta Allan? Where is the fronting up to regional Victorians and asking for forgiveness for the brutal financial mess the Premier has created?”

“Labor cannot be trusted with the future of this state. Time and again, they’ve proven they can’t manage money, can’t deliver major projects, and refuse to take responsibility for their failures. Victorians deserve better than a government that hides from scrutiny and leaves regional communities to pay the price.”

“Labor can't manage money, and Victorians keep paying the price."