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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Underbelly of Victoria's Big Build to be exposed by royal commission

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Victoria's new Premier Ben Carroll has promised integrity in government, announcing a royal commission into the state's "Big Build" infrastructure projects.
  • The "Big Build," a $100 billion multi-decade project, has been marred by allegations of violence, intimidation, and organized crime infiltration, particularly involving the Victorian branch of the CFMEU.
  • A report by barrister Geoffrey Watson SC found widespread corruption, financial crimes, and even drug dealing on project sites, with potential losses to taxpayers estimated as high as $15 billion.

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, in his first press conference since ousting his predecessor, has pledged a new era of integrity, immediately announcing a royal commission into the state's massive "Big Build" infrastructure program. Carroll explicitly distanced himself from former leaders, stating, "I am not Daniel Andrews, I am not Jacinta Allan," signaling a shift in leadership style and priorities.

The "Big Build," a sprawling $100 billion, multi-decade initiative encompassing new roads, railway stations, and tunnels, has been a cornerstone of the state government's agenda. However, the project's execution has been overshadowed by serious allegations. Reports of violence, intimidation, and criminal infiltration, particularly linked to the Victorian branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), have plagued construction sites.

These concerns were amplified by a report commissioned by the union's administrators, authored by corruption-fighting barrister Geoffrey Watson SC. Titled "Rotting From The Top; The CFMEU in Victoria During the Setka Era," the report detailed a "squalid mess" within the union's Victorian construction division. Watson found evidence of widespread, organized corruption, including financial crimes against the state and the use of construction sites for drug dealing.

I am not Daniel Andrews, I am not Jacinta Allan.

— Ben CarrollThe new Victorian Premier distinguished himself from his predecessors in his first public statement.

Watson's investigation also uncovered links between the CFMEU, bikie gangs, and organized criminals. He estimated that Victorian taxpayers may have lost as much as $15 billion due to inflated contract prices, project delays, and the rewarding of criminal elements at the expense of legitimate businesses and workers. While the Victorian government disputes this figure, Watson stands by his assessment, citing the multifaceted nature of the financial losses.

The report further indicated that the "Big Build" projects facilitated systemic corruption, sexual exploitation, and drug trafficking. The announcement of the royal commission signifies a commitment by Carroll's government to thoroughly investigate these allegations and restore public trust in the state's major infrastructure endeavors, emphasizing that "integrity will not be optional."

integrity will not be optional

— Ben CarrollThe new Victorian Premier declared his government's commitment to ethical conduct.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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