Victoria's new Premier, Ben Carroll, has announced a sweeping Royal Commission into corruption within the state's construction sector, with the investigation set to scrutinize "Big Build" projects and potentially draw in former premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan.
Carroll, in one of his first acts as premier, declared the inquiry would have the authority to examine conduct dating back to 2014, the year Andrews first led the Labor party to power. The commission will explore the connections between government agencies, unions, builders, and regulatory bodies. It also possesses the power to compel testimony from former ministers, public servants, and industry figures if their input is deemed pertinent to the investigation.
This decision follows months of serious allegations regarding widespread corruption in major taxpayer-funded construction projects. These claims have previously embroiled the Allan government and intensified demands for a judicial inquiry.
During her tenure as Infrastructure Minister and later as Premier, Allan oversaw the "Big Build" as the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) significantly increased its influence across Victoria's construction industry. These developments occurred amidst claims that organized crime figures, some with bikie affiliations, had infiltrated critical projects.
Sources indicate that the possibility of current and former Members of Parliament, ministerial staff, and senior officials being summoned to give evidence has created considerable unease within Labor and union circles. This concern was underscored when a senior minister, Steve Dimopoulos, repeatedly declined to state his personal support for the Royal Commission, instead emphasizing a collective "team" perspective.
Carroll has positioned his administration as a reset, stating, "In my government, integrity will not be optional... there will be zero tolerance for those who misuse their positions." He emphasized that this Royal Commission is his "first action as premier."
The inquiry will proceed without a predetermined deadline, allowing investigators extensive scope to examine decisions and actions throughout the Labor government's entire period in office. Additionally, the state government plans to establish a special prosecutor to collaborate with the Royal Commission and pursue any criminal matters that may arise from its findings.
The opposition has criticized the government's plan, labeling it a "sham" inquiry. Opposition leader Jess Wilson stated that a Coalition government would conduct a more comprehensive investigation and pledged to initiate a "real royal commission" before Christmas.
