Royal Commission into Victorian Construction: What Voters Need to Know
Wanderstayfinder.com – Victorian voters heading to the polls will soon encounter evidence from the Royal commission into Victorian construction – including how taxpayer funds were allocated across Big Build projects. Rather than hurting Labor’s prospects, an integrity expert suggests this inquiry could actually strengthen the party’s position ahead of November’s state election.
William Partlett, associate professor of law and fellow at the Centre for Public Integrity, described the commission promised by new premier Ben Carroll as an “important signal” that the government is taking decisive action. Carroll announced the Royal commission into Victorian construction as his “first action” as premier, shortly after being sworn in on Tuesday.
Comprehensive Terms of Reference
The inquiry follows sustained pressure to investigate alleged corruption across the government’s Big Build infrastructure projects. Carroll committed to “exhaustive” terms of reference, with the commission to be established “as soon as possible” – potentially holding hearings before the November election. “Whether it’s the top-tier companies, whether it’s subcontractors, whether it’s businesses or unions, these terms of reference will be thorough,” the premier stated.
Carroll also announced a special prosecutor would work in parallel to the Royal commission into Victorian construction, while the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission receives enhanced follow-the-money powers. This marks a shift from predecessor Jacinta Allan, who had resisted calls for a royal commission into allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs infiltrated major infrastructure projects.
Historical Context and Expert Analysis
“In some ways it was probably the downfall of [Allan] in her failure to call that because it did seem that many wanted that to be called,” Partlett observed. The Big Build has allocated approximately $109 billion in public money since 2015 for more than 180 projects, including the Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals, and the Suburban Rail Loop. Many projects experienced significant cost blowouts, which Allan attributed to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising labour costs.
These explanations followed Age reporting that money from projects was being paid to gangland figures, with alleged union corruption adding premiums of up to 30% to major project budgets. Allan later acknowledged criminality existed but maintained police should investigate any allegations of wrongdoing.
A report by Centre for Public Integrity director Geoffrey Watson SC, tabled during a Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU, found that “the flood of government money” had made the Big Build “ripe for corruption.” This included “ad hoc corruption on the part of former organisers and delegates” as well as “a more organised or systemic corruption involving collaboration by some elements in the CFMEU with outlaw motorcycle gangs and other crime outfits.”
Election Implications
The Watson report stated a labourer’s job on the Big Build was so lucrative that a market allegedly emerged where corrupt organisers and delegates bought and sold positions. The report further alleged the government “knew and had a duty to know” about wrongdoing but chose to do “nothing about it.” Partlett emphasized that the Royal commission into Victorian construction needs “as broad as they can be” terms of reference to encompass private organisations, unions, institutions, and government officials.
The commission should utilize its coercive powers to investigate allegations openly and transparently, according to Partlett. He noted the importance of the commission beginning promptly, with potential electoral impact. “The fact that the Labor party now is showing that it has interest in tackling these issues is an important signal … they are willing to accept something has gone wrong.”
Partlett explained that Labor getting ahead of the issue allows them to set the terms of reference, preventing the inquiry from becoming “a demonisation of unions.” “They can make it an inquiry into the construction sector that is done in a responsible way. It doesn’t demonise the unions, but then at the same time tries to understand what went wrong here.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Royal commission into Victorian construction begin its hearings? Premier Ben Carroll indicated the commission could hold hearings before November’s state election, with establishment planned “as soon as possible.”
What is the Big Build and how much has it cost? The Big Build is Victoria’s infrastructure program that has allocated approximately $109 billion since 2015 for more than 180 projects.
Why is the timing significant for Labor’s election chances? Partlett noted that Labor getting in before the election allows them to set the terms of reference and demonstrate proactive leadership on corruption issues.
What powers will the commission have? The commission will use coercive powers to investigate allegations openly, while a special prosecutor works in parallel and the IBAC receives enhanced follow-the-money powers.
