Daniel Andrews formally knocks back offer to front Games probe

Former premier Daniel Andrews has formally declined an invitation to front the inquiry into the botched Commonwealth Games.

Dan will not front the inquiry. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Daniel Andrews has formally declined an invitation to appear before the parliamentary inquiry probing the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Andrews wrote to the committee last week after obtaining advice from Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes.

Staff within the Premier’s Private Office also intervened in the matter despite Mr Andrews now being a private citizen.

“I have considered carefully whether to accept the invitation to appear and advise that I decline it,” Mr Andrews wrote.

“In considering whether to appear before the Committee, I have had regard to the well established principle that the independence of both Houses of Parliament means that a committee cannot claim authority over a member of the other House.

“In a context where the matters that I would be questioned about relate solely to my role as premier and a member of the Legislative Assembly, this limitation must persist following my resignation. My appearance would undermine the very purpose of the principle and therefore, the independence of each House.

Harriet Shing before the Commonwealth Games Inquiry. Picture: David Crosling

“The Attorney-General has also advised me of the Victorian Government’s claim that information in a number of classes is protected from disclosure by executive privilege, and that the Select Committee has no power to compel the disclosure of information in those classes.

“Having regard to these matters, I have come to the view that I have a responsibility to act in accordance with established principle and should not appear before the Select Committee.”

Former sports minister Martin Pakula also formally declined an invitation to appear before the committee.

Martin Pakula declined an invitation to appear before the committee. Picture: Aaron Francis

As part of her advice to Mr Andrews, Ms Symes said there were few examples where the issue of attendance of a former minister had been considered in detail. She said the issue was examined in the 2008 final report of the Select Committee of the Legislative Council on Gaming Licensing where Steve Bracks declined an invitation to appear.

Liberal Party committee member David Davis said the former Premier’s refusal to appear was “a further attempt to block scrutiny”.

“This is an attempt to thwart full scrutiny. What do they have to hide,” he said.