Victorian premier 'happy' to appear before Big Build royal commission

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has declared he would "happily" appear before a royal commission investigating corruption within the state's "Big Build" infrastructure program. Carroll, who assumed the premiership last week, made the announcement of the royal commission his first major act in the new role.

The state opposition, led by Jess Wilson, has put forth its own proposed terms of reference for the inquiry. Their list of potential witnesses includes former premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan, as well as controversial figures like construction mediator Mick Gatto and former CFMEU boss John Setka. Wilson stated her party would not support terms of reference solely determined by the Labor government.

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The opposition are about stunts, I'm about deeds not words.

Carroll, however, dismissed the opposition's proposals as a "stunt," asserting his focus is on "deeds not words." He indicated that he is collaborating with the chief commissioner to establish the inquiry's terms of reference. While he had not yet reviewed the opposition's specific suggestions, he mentioned that his office was attempting to obtain a copy, noting that media outlets seemed to have received it first.

This development follows comments from former IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich, who suggested that both Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan "undoubtedly" should be called to give evidence. Carroll refrained from commenting on whether he believed they should be witnesses, stating that any individual the royal commission deems relevant should be questioned. He emphasized that the scope and details of the inquiry would be determined by the commissioner and the official terms of reference.

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Everyone should be questioned that the royal commission believes had a role.