Lawyers were consulted more than a month before the Victorian government officially reneged on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A document submitted to an upper house parliamentary inquiry shows law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler was paid $1,265,982 for services and costs related to the withdrawal from June to September.
That's on top of the $380 million in compensation the state government has agreed to pay Games organisers.
Former premier Daniel Andrews on July 18 announced Victoria was pulling out of hosting the event, citing estimated costs blowing out to up to $7 billion.
The document does not list an exact date for when the firm was first hired but Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed it was June 14.
"I was advised on the 14th of June that the premier was seeking legal advice," she told the lower house in question time.
"There was no engagement with lawyers before that date."
The day before, she fronted a state budget estimates hearing as then Games delivery minister and gave no indication they were in jeopardy of blowing their initial $2.6 billion budget.
She said the state was looking forward to hosting 7000 athletes across regional areas as part of the event.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto questioned if Ms Allan misled parliament.
"We were told by the current premier and her predecessor the decision was made to cancel the Commonwealth Games only 24 hours before we all knew about it," he told reporters.
"But what this (document) suggests is that's not true."
The newly-minted premier said legal advice was sought as the government firmed up revised costs with market soundings and considered its options.
"I was aware lawyers were being engaged," Ms Allan told reporters earlier on Wednesday.
"That was consistent with what we said at the time of the announcement that as the costs were materialising ... we had gone from having estimates about the costs of the Games to actuals.
"Those actuals were at least $6 billion, potentially rising (to) up to $7 billion, and that was just too much for a 12-day sporting event."
The document, submitted by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, shows barrister Frances Gordon KC was also paid $19,745 for her work in August.
Two senior figures from the department who flew to the UK to handle negotiations over the cancellation incurred costs of more than $44,000 combined.
That included just over $27,000 in airfares.
DPC secretary Jeremi Moule, the state's top public servant, flew out on July 15, days before the public was told.
Public hearings for the state-based parliamentary inquiry into the 2026 Commonwealth Games bid will begin next week, with Mr Moule among those listed to testify.
Former Commonwealth Games legacy minister Harriet Shing is yet to receive an invitation to appear but said she would if called.
Ms Allan and Mr Andrews cannot be compelled to front the inquiry.
In September, a separate federal inquiry's interim report called for the Albanese government to lead the way in finding a suitable replacement Australian host for the 2026 Games.
