Victoria's new premier, Ben Carroll, has unveiled the terms of reference for a royal commission into the construction sector, promising 'nothing is off limits' - which, given the state's recent history, might be the most reassuring thing a Victorian premier has said in years. The inquiry, formally named the Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects in Victoria, comes after allegations of wrongdoing by the CFMEU and others linked to the Big Build, first reported by Nine newspapers in 2024.
Carroll, who made the announcement on Thursday after the governor signed the letters patent establishing the commission, didn't mince words: 'There was grift, there was thuggery, there was misogyny, and there was violence on taxpayer-funded construction sites. I have zero tolerance for that.' And with a $50 million budget and a deadline of 20 August 2027, the commission, led by former South Australian chief justice Chris Kourakis, has been granted coercive powers to compel production of information - including cabinet documents - and attendance of witnesses. Because nothing says 'rigorous and fearless' like the power to subpoena your own diary.
The commission will investigate 'corruption, criminal conduct or serious misconduct' by the CFMEU, construction companies, subcontractors, labour hire firms, and others on major Victorian projects, and whether government departments adequately oversaw the work. It will also explore ways to 'recoup' taxpayer funds that were 'misappropriated or received as a result of corruption, criminal conduct or serious misconduct' - a nice way of saying 'we want our money back, possibly with interest.'
Carroll confirmed that former premiers and ministers could be called to public hearings, and that their legal representation would be publicly funded - which he called 'standard procedure,' though it's unclear if that standard includes a side of irony. Shadow attorney general James Newbury wasn't impressed, calling the move a 'political fix minutes before the election' and demanding that Carroll 'guarantee' Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews be 'hauled before this commission' before November. Carroll denied self-interest, insisting, 'This is about the future of our state and valuing taxpayer dollars.' Sure, and the timing is purely coincidental.
Commissioner Kourakis, in a statement, said he was 'deeply conscious of the responsibility with which I have been entrusted' and promised to work 'independently and rigorously.' The CFMEU administrator, Michael Crosby, said the union would 'fully cooperate,' while noting that 'misconduct is not confined to one organisation' and urging scrutiny of developers, head contractors, and anyone else who's 'profited from unlawful or unethical behaviour.' Because who doesn't love a good industry-wide witch hunt?
Carroll, whose first act as premier three weeks ago was announcing this inquiry, also plans a special prosecutor to work in parallel, and wants to give the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission 'follow-the-money' powers. Both require legislation, which he's committed to introducing before the government enters caretaker mode before the November election. Parliament will sit for extra days to make it happen, presumably to ensure no stone is left unturned and no political advantage is left unseized.
Allan, Carroll's predecessor, was the minister responsible for transport infrastructure during most of the alleged wrongdoing. She apologized for the criminal allegations but rejected calls for a royal commission, putting her at odds with several of her MPs, who then formed a cross-factional group urging Carroll to challenge her. She stood down before a vote, proving that in politics, the only thing more powerful than a royal commission is a factional ambush.