Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart and Queensland’s Deputy Premier Steven Miles (identified in local coverage as the state’s second-in-command) are reported to have declined to answer questions about whether a billionaire backer’s support for an aquatic centre is linked to lobbying for a decision on a second Games venue. Multiple outlets say they were asked about lobbying activity connected to a proposed second venue decision that, according to reporting, goes against independent advice. The articles describe both Rinehart and Bleijie as “coy” or otherwise not directly addressing the questions put to them, instead avoiding clear explanations about the nature or extent of any involvement. The coverage indicates the issue is tied to public decision-making around Games-related infrastructure and the role of private donors or backers. While the articles focus on their responses, they do not resolve the underlying questions about whether influence is present or how any support might relate to government or procurement decisions. Overall, the sources converge on the same theme: questions are raised about the connection between private backing for an aquatic centre and lobbying regarding a second Games venue decision, and Rinehart and Bleijie do not provide direct answers.