Former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to Testify at Royal Commission into $150 Billion 'Big Build' Projects
An inquiry into alleged corruption and integrity concerns on taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects will examine former premier's knowledge of issues on construction sites.
Former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is among the prominent figures who will be required to give evidence before a royal commission investigating alleged corruption and integrity issues on the state's $150 billion "Big Build" infrastructure projects.
The commission's opening hearing on Wednesday confirmed that notices to appear will be issued to individuals named in a cabinet memo concerning industrial relations matters on public job sites.
Allan, who previously served as the transport and infrastructure minister, was named in a June 21, 2023, ministerial briefing that detailed concerns about intimidatory behavior towards contractors and the presence of criminal elements on government work sites. Allan has denied awareness of this briefing.
Counsel assisting the commission, Chris Young KC, stated that the circumstances under which the briefing's contents reached the former premier would be examined, and she would have the opportunity to respond. A second briefing, signed by Allan the following day, also highlighted anecdotal reports of criminal involvement in state construction projects, potentially impacting costs and schedules.
Premier Ben Carroll, who succeeded Allan in July, promised to establish the $50 million royal commission as one of his first acts. Allan had previously resisted calls for such an inquiry.
Commissioner Christopher Kourakis KC declared that the commission would investigate "every person who is reasonably suspected of being complicit in the abuse of entrusted power for private gain." He assured the public that the commission would "leave no stone unturned" in its search for hidden wrongdoing and cautioned those involved to consider early disclosures.
The inquiry's focus includes allegations of misconduct by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU)'s Victorian branch. A report by barrister Geoffrey Watson SC estimated that alleged corrupt conduct by the CFMEU may have cost Victorian taxpayers $15 billion. Counsel Assisting Chris Carr SC noted the union's history of legal breaches, with over $10 million in penalties incurred for 1163 breaches of industrial law in the five years prior to the CFMEU entering administration in August 2024.
The royal commission, which encompasses more than 100 projects, is expected to continue through the upcoming November election. Further hearing dates are yet to be announced. The commission's final report is due in August 2027.