February 1, 2026 — 5:04am
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For many Australians, summer and sport go hand-in-glove and, for the federal sports minister, that usually means a packed schedule.
But Sports Minister Anika Wells this year skipped all major sporting events, including the Ashes cricket series and the Australian Open, after she was embroiled in a scandal over her use of taxpayer-funded entitlements.
Sports Minister Anika Wells.Dominic Lorrimer
This summer, the high-profile sports minister has attended just two events, both in her home town of Brisbane: the Brisbane International tennis tournament and the USA Down Under International Softball Series.
Like her predecessors in the portfolio, Wells is expected to attend high-profile sporting events, and in previous summers she has been a regular fixture, appearing at the Test cricket and the tennis as well as the AFL and NRL grand finals, the Olympics, and football and rugby world cups.
Similarly, the minister has not attended the Australian Open despite attending multiple days, including high-profile semi-finals, in previous years. She also skipped the Magic Millions horse race on the Gold Coast.
Wells and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with the Australian men’s cricket team at Kirribilli House in January 2025.Dominic Lorrimer
In the past, Wells has also regularly travelled overseas to represent Australia at major sporting events, including world cups and the Olympics. But her office was tight-lipped about her international travel plans this year.
Major sporting events in 2026 include the men’s football World Cup in the United States, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Winter Olympics in Milan, which starts in a matter of days.
Wells’ office would not even confirm whether the minister will attend the Women’s Asian Cup. The football tournament is being held in Australia and begins on March 1.
The questions over Wells’ use of entitlements were sparked by the revelation that taxpayers forked out nearly $100,000 for Wells, who is also the communications minister, and two staff to travel to New York for an event highlighting the government’s social media ban.
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It was followed by revelations that she had travelled to Thredbo ski resort with her family and to an AFL grand final with her family – trips that appeared to be within the rules – as well as to Melbourne and Adelaide to attend birthday parties for friends, while scheduling ministerial business at the same time. She also spent $1000 on meals for four while in France for the Rugby World Cup.
Wells and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland both referred themselves to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) for an audit of their use of entitlements.
Rowland has since repaid a portion of a $21,000 trip to Western Australia on IPEA’s recommendation.
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James Massola is chief political commentator. He was previously national affairs editor and South-East Asia correspondent. He has won Quill and Kennedy awards and been a Walkley finalist. Connect securely on Signal @jamesmassola.01Connect via X or email.From our partners