Sunrise host embarrassed by Dan Andrew’’ Commonwealth Games move

Sunrise host Monique Wright appeared less than impressed with Dan Andrews’ decision to abruptly axe the Commonwealth Games.

Sunrise fill-in host Monique Wright has taken aim at Daniel Andrews’ “embarrassing” decision to scrap the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Victorian Premier confirmed the Games would not go ahead on Tuesday morning, insisting the costs for the regional event had blown out from $2.6 billion to as much as $7 billion.

Speaking with Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume about the ordeal on Wednesday morning, Wright slammed reports the Commonwealth Games authority were only given eight hours’ notice about the decision.

“It’s a bit embarrassing, isn’t it? We look like a laughing stock," she said.

Sunrise host Monique Wright said cancelling the Commonwealth Games in Victoria made us look like a laughing stock. Picture: Sunrise

Ms O’Neil confirmed she knew about the decision before it was announced on Tuesday morning but said she wanted to leave it to “the state guys” to explain the timeline.

She said the cancellation was “a massive shame” but expressed her support of Mr Andrews.

“It was going to be catastrophically expensive and he didn’t feel he could justify that to the taxpayers and I think we have to respect that has been upfront about that,” she said.

Wright suggested Ms O’Neil was “dancing” around the issue, and asked Ms Hume whether the Victorian government should have found a way to make it work and whether the federal government should have stepped in with funds.

Minister for Home Affairs Clare O'Neil said the decision should be respected. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Ms Hume claimed Mr Andrews asked for funding support but the federal government refused.

The Liberal MP said it showed Mr Andrews’ “incompetence and ability to manage projects”.

“It was only a month ago that the budget said the Commonwealth Games were going to cost $2.6 billion,” she said.

“How can only a couple of weeks later the budget have blown out to such an extent?

“Somebody has made a real mess of this and it’s our athletes and families that have been training for so long that will pay the price. It’s also the regional communities that were promised an opportunity to showcase their wares to the world. They will miss out to. This is because Victoria is broke.”

Ms Hume said in any other state somebody would resign.

“Unfortunately, Dan Andrews is going to say, ‘not my fault, not my problem, we’re just going to have to deal with this’. It’s never Daniel Andrews fault,” she said.

Daniel Andrews sparked controversy after scrapping the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

The fiery interview came after Commonwealth Games Australia Executive Officer Craig Phillips on Tuesday made several damning claims against the Andrews Government, suggesting government officials:

— “Exaggerated” costs in its revised estimates

— Had been consulted about potential interest in hosting the event long before the government announced its decision to secure the hosting rights in February, 2022

— Had ignored advice to save costs by hosting more events in Melbourne, and

— Had failed to give Commonwealth Games officials a chance to respond to the revised numbers before making its bombshell decision.

The Australian first reported the Commonwealth Games Federation’s potential demand for the state to pay damages and costs already incurred could be worth up to tens of millions.

CGF chief executive Katie Sadleir said she had been left blindsided by the sudden decision by Victorian government officials.