Traditional owners disappointed over cancellation of Commonwealth Games, amid hopes for Australian solution

A federal inquiry into the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games in Victoria in 2026 heard traditional owners were disappointed at the decision and councils were sworn to secrecy.

A scene from the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2006. Picture: Getty

Traditional owners in Victoria had looked forward to formally welcoming thousands of foreigners to their homeland as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, before it was cancelled amid claims of cost blow outs.

Giving evidence to a federal senate inquiry into the cancellation of the event, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation — now Djaara — chief Rodney Carter said it was the “first time (we could) invite foreigners to our homelands”.

“We believed that we had a significant and valuable contribution not only to our own activities but also the wider community,” he said.

“It becomes challenging that the bureaucracy doesn’t see you for the worth you see in your own heart and mind.”

Senator Matt Canavan during a senate hearing into Australia’s Preparedness to Host Commonwealth Olympic and Paralympic Games. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

Mr Carter told the committee Djaara was “dogged” in their support for finding a way to hold the games in Australia in 2026, after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced in mid July the event would be scrapped.

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation chief Daniel Miller told the committee traditional owners were somewhat consulted about planning the games.

“We were involved in direction setting rather than decision making,” he said, representing native title holders from Gippsland.

“I wanted to recognise the work that went into respecting first nations groups hosting (the) games and keeping us connected. It was genuine and it was leading.

“We won’t be able to realise a lot of the outcomes we had hoped to see.”

Both corporations were promised more than $600,000 each to prepare plans for supporting tourism, planning for the athletes villages and other legacy commitments. They have each been paid $200,000 with only a verbal understanding so far they will be paid the remained to continue their work.

Earlier it was revealed at least two regional Victorian council CEOs signed a nondisclosure agreement relating to planning for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

City of Ballarat deputy-mayor Amy Johnson was critical of a decision to make the region’s CEO Evan King sign the agreement.

“To expect our CEO to sign a nondisclosure agreement that prohibits him from sharing all relevant information with a councillors group is a disgrace,” she said.

“I do not think it is usual. If it is, I think it is wrong.”

A spokeswoman for Bendigo council also said they had signed a nondisclosure agreement.

Ms Johnson also said she believed other regional council CEOs from areas due to host the games — including Bendigo, Shepparton, Geelong and Gippsland — had to sign agreements too.

She also lamented the state government for failing to consult with council about funding priorities, or if it was even feasible to construct accommodation and sporting infrastructure in a little more than two years and ensure transport plans were in place.

“It is extremely frustrating. Not only were we not consulted on anything to be honest, it was very much we were being told what was going to happen,” she said.

“It was frustrating to see so much money going into the games when we have people in our city going hungry. We desperately need the Food Bank to open here in Ballarat.

“I truly felt from the very outset this was not a good allocation of resources.”

Sporting representatives from hockey, athletics, cycling and table tennis also told the inquiry they had little knowledge the games would be cancelled before an announcement on July 17.