February 1, 2026 — 5:04am
For many Australians, summer evokes images of cricket matches and tennis rallies, yet federal Sports Minister Anika Wells has taken a notably subdued approach this season. Following scrutiny over her use of taxpayer-funded travel entitlements, Wells has limited her appearances to just two local events in Brisbane: the Brisbane International tennis tournament and the USA Down Under International Softball Series.
Absence from High-Profile Fixtures
Wells, who also oversees communications, typically maintains a busy calendar attending premier sporting occasions. In past summers, she has been a visible presence at Test cricket matches, the Australian Open, AFL and NRL grand finals, the Olympics, and international tournaments like football and rugby world cups. However, this year marks a significant departure.
Officials confirm that Wells did not attend the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, nor the Ashes series Tests in Sydney or Brisbane—events she has participated in multiple times before. Her absence extends to the Australian Open, where she previously covered several days, including semi-finals, and the Magic Millions horse race on the Gold Coast.
A spokesperson for the minister stated, “The minister has attended sports events this summer,” when questioned about the reduced schedule. Details on her international travel remain undisclosed, despite her history of representing Australia at global events such as world cups and the Olympics.
Upcoming Global Events and Uncertainty
Looking ahead, 2026 features major competitions including the men’s football World Cup in the United States, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the Winter Olympics in Milan, set to begin shortly. The minister’s office has not confirmed her attendance at the Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled in Australia starting March 1.
Entitlements Controversy
The shift in Wells’ schedule follows revelations last December about her travel practices. She utilized ministerial entitlements to transport her husband, Finn McCarthy, to various national sporting events, often for single-day visits. Although these trips complied with existing guidelines, they prompted debates on the breadth of such provisions, leading to subsequent rule revisions.
Further inquiries arose from a nearly $100,000 expenditure for Wells and two staff members to attend a New York event promoting the government’s social media restrictions. Additional trips included family visits to Thredbo ski resort and the AFL grand final, as well as travel to Melbourne and Adelaide for friends’ birthday celebrations combined with official duties. In France during the Rugby World Cup, she also incurred $1,000 in meal costs for four people.
In response, Wells and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland self-referred to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) for review. Rowland has reimbursed part of a $21,000 Western Australia trip based on IPEA recommendations, while Wells’ audit remains pending.
