A Commonwealth Games leader has accused former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews of trying to "trash" the event's brand.
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Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips took aim in the association's annual report this week where he criticised Mr Andrews' government for ditching the Games because of mounting costs.
The government agreed to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games across Melbourne and five regional Victorian cities in April 2022 before backing out in July 2023.
This was blamed on the event's initial $2.6 billion budget blowing out to more $6.9 billion, according forecasted government estimates.
Mr Phillips said the cancellation's impact meant the past 12 months have been "unlike any" Commonwealth Games Australia had experienced.
"The decision of the Andrews-Allan government to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Games placed immense pressure on the Commonwealth sport movement brand," he said.
"At times it even seemed that, for his own political expediency, then premier Andrews was attempting to trash the brand with the Australian public.
"CGA is steadfast in its view that the Commonwealth Games and, in particular, our team remains much loved and respected by Australians."
Commonwealth Games Australia president Ben Houston said the decision to cancel "called into question Australia's integrity to host world class events".
"The costs of cancelling the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games are enormous," Mr Houston said.
"In addition to the reputational damage caused, the government was also required to pay a settlement amount of $380 million."
A parliamentary inquiry found this week Victoria's bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games was rushed and based on grossly underestimated costs.
When tabling the inquiry's interim report on Tuesday, committee chair and Libertarian MP David Limbrick said Victoria's decision to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games was a "stuff-up".
"These Games were doomed from the beginning because they were built on the shaky foundations of a business case that grossly underestimated costs," he told the upper house.
The decision to withdraw from hosting the event cost Victoria more than $589 million, including the $380 million in compensation to Games organisers.
In March, a separate inquiry by the auditor-general into the cancellation found the price estimate that resulted in the event being shelved was "overstated and not transparent".
The auditor-general said agencies failed to work together to give "frank, full and timely advice" to the government before it decided to host the Games.
A new host for the 2026 Games is expected to be announced in May, with Glasgow among the cities considering a tilt at the event.
Australian Associated Press
