Victorian premier blames ‘inflation not corruption’ for Big Build cost blowouts amid fresh allegations

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has pushed back against mounting pressure to launch a royal commission into alleged corruption within the state's massive Big Build infrastructure program. Allan firmly stated that the significant cost blowouts experienced on various projects are attributable to "inflationary pressures" and not to corruption.

Her remarks come in the wake of fresh allegations and renewed calls for a public inquiry into the state's multi-billion dollar infrastructure spending. Opposition parties and some unions have been demanding a royal commission, citing concerns about transparency and accountability in the delivery of projects totaling $100 billion.

Allan's government has consistently defended its handling of the Big Build, emphasizing the complex challenges of delivering large-scale projects. However, the persistent allegations and the sheer scale of the investment have fueled public scrutiny and political debate over the integrity of the procurement and construction processes. The premier's firm stance suggests the government is resistant to a broad judicial inquiry, preferring to address concerns through existing oversight mechanisms.

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inflationary pressures on projects is not corruption