Bikies, ‘moral compass malfunctions’ and corruption cost: Victoria’s Big Build royal commission holds first public hearing

A royal commission has begun public hearings into corruption and criminal infiltration within Victoria's major infrastructure projects. The inquiry is examining allegations that the construction union allowed criminals and bikies onto state-funded sites, with evidence suggesting government officials were aware of these issues as early as 2023.
Why it matters
This inquiry addresses significant concerns regarding public fund mismanagement and the influence of organized crime in government-backed infrastructure projects.
Commissioner Christopher Kourakis revealed that the inquiry had already held several closed hearings to obtain ‘sensitive information’. Photograph: Joe Armao/AAP Commissioner Christopher Kourakis revealed that the inquiry had already held several closed hearings to obtain ‘sensitive information’. Photograph: Joe Armao/AAP Victorian politics Bikies, ‘moral compass malfunctions’ and corruption cost: Victoria’s Big Build royal commission holds first public hearing Inquiry investigating allegations of corruption and criminal conduct on state’s $150bn pipeline of infrastructure projects to leave ‘no stone unturned’
Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast
Prefer the Guardian on Google The opening public hearing of the royal commission into Victoria’s Big Build has shown Jacinta Allan knew of allegations the construction union allowed criminals and bikies on to state projects as early as 2023.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in