Big Build Royal Commission: Public hearings start with focus on rail project
With transparency looming large in voters' minds ahead of a state election, a royal commission into alleged union corruption is set to begin public hearings.
A royal commission into alleged corruption on taxpayer-funded construction sites is set to resume, with the inquiry facing another test of public confidence amid a heated state election campaign.
Premier Ben Carroll vowed to set up the $50 million royal commission as his first act in government after he toppled predecessor Jacinta Allan, who had for months rejected widespread calls to launch a probe.
The first two-week block of public hearings starts in Melbourne on Monday, three weeks out from the November 28 state poll.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.November’s sessions will examine events at Sunbury’s Gap Road project, which involved the removal of a level crossing and the construction of a new rail bridge and underpass.
The project was delivered by the Rail Infrastructure Alliance, with the commission to focus on the rail occupation in June 2022.
In particular, the inquiry will examine events during that month, including a meeting at the CFMEU’s offices after a two-day stoppage.
There will be no witnesses called on Monday, with the inquiry tasked with investigating the integrity of the state’s $150 billion Big Build infrastructure program.
Ms Allan will also be compelled to give evidence, although it’s unclear exactly when that will be.
During the opening addresses of the inquiry in September, counsel assisting Chris Young KC cited Ms Allan as one of several people named in a cabinet memo tendered during the hearing.
“Notices to appear and give evidence will be issued to each person named on this briefing in due course,” he said.
The memo summarised a ministerial briefing on June 21, 2023, where concerns were raised about a range of industrial relations issues on certain public job sites.
Ms Allan, then transport and infrastructure minister, was named in the memo, although the signature box next to her name was empty.
Ms Allan had for months rejected widespread calls to launch a probe into allegations of dodgy dealings within the state’s infrastructure program.
It followed years of reporting on alleged wrongdoing on Big Build sites linked to the CFMEU’s Victorian branch.
An explosive report by barrister Geoffrey Watson titled Rotting from the Top estimated alleged corrupt conduct by the CFMEU had effectively fleeced Victorian taxpayers of $15 billion.
Mr Watson said he felt “relieved” to finally see the accountability wheels turning.
He applauded the appointment as commissioner of Chris Kourakis KC, a former South Australian chief justice and solicitor-general.
Mr Kourakis will investigate the extent to which corruption, criminal conduct or serious misconduct has occurred on or surrounding major public and civil infrastructure projects.
His final report is due in August 2027.
