Victorian Premier Ben Carroll calls royal commission on construction sector ahead of State election

The Victorian construction sector will be subject to a royal commission following years of allegations that organised crime and corruption has infiltrated the government’s major infrastructure projects.

Premier Ben Carroll announced the royal commission on Thursday following a special cabinet meeting.

The Victorian royal commission will be overseen by the former Chief Justice of South Australia, Chris Kourakis.

The commission will have the power to call former premiers Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews.

The Premier also promised the commission would have access to confidential cabinet documents.

Mr Carroll said the first thing he did as Premier was to call for the royal commission.

“I did that because Victorians deserve the truth,” he said.

“They deserve to know how organised crime found its way onto our building sites, who allowed it to happen, and how we make sure it never happens again.

“Nothing less than a royal commission with full coercive powers and public hearings will get us there.”

The commission had a scope in which “nothing is off limits”, Mr Carroll said, with the CFMEU, politicians, government officials and company executives. Labour hire firms are also liable to be called.

“There was grift, there was thuggery, there was misogyny, and there was violence on taxpayer-funded construction sites. I have zero tolerance for that,” Mr Carroll said.

“We are giving this royal commission the broadest, most extensive, wide ranging powers. Full transparency.

“Nothing is off limits. Victorians deserve answers and this royal commission will provide them.”

The Premier said he was proud of the Labor government’s removal of train line level crossings, the building of the Metro Tunnel, and “world class” hospitals.

“These are the broadest, most comprehensive terms of reference available for any commissioner,” Mr Carroll said.

“This will get to the bottom of what occurred and give Victorians the answers they deserve.”

The commission’s terms of references require the investigation of wasted, misdirected and inflated costs on construction sites.

Government procurement, contracting and oversight will scrutinised for any effect it may have had on allowing corruption or serious misconduct.

The Premier said he would waive cabinet in confidence protocols so the commissioner could see any documents he saw fit.

Describing Mr Kourakis as “rigorous and fearless,” Mr Carroll said he had a “single motivation to ensure the law serves the community”, Mr Carroll said.

“This commissioner has unquestionable integrity. This commissioner has proven himself; one of 10 children in Port Lincoln, to the highest legal office in South Australia,” Mr Carroll continued.

“He’s held that office with distinction. I’m really proud that Chris Kourakis is taking up this job to get to the truth and to give Victorians the answers they deserve.”

Mr Kourakis will move to Victoria for the posting.

The $50m commission will need to report its findings within 12 months. Royal commissions do not have the power to lay criminal or civil charges.

The government is creating an Office of the Special Prosecutor to pursue any potential charges, Mr Carroll said.

The state’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission is being given broader powers.

Special Minister of State, Ingrid Stitt, said IBAC would be given “follow the money powers”, via legislation to be introduced next month.

Thursday’s announcement comes 100 days out from the state election.

The Premier promised the IBAC legislation will be passed before the government enters caretaker mode.