corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson praises terms of reference for construction corruption royal commission
Anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson has defended the terms of reference for Victoria's royal commission into the construction industry. He dismissed opposition claims that the inquiry is designed to shield former premiers from scrutiny.
Why it matters
The royal commission is a high-stakes political investigation into the integrity of major government infrastructure projects in Australia.
Geoffrey Watson argued the public was entitled to know about the matter. ( ABC News: Sissy Reyes )
Anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson SC has praised the announced terms of reference for Victoria's royal commission into the construction industry, labelling opposition criticism as "absurd".
The opposition this week criticised the announced terms of reference, claiming former premiers Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews would be exempt from being called as witnesses.
Premier Ben Carroll rejected the suggestion, saying all ministers and former premiers would be fair game under the announced terms.
Link copied Share Share article The anti-corruption barrister who estimated $15 billion in taxpayer funding was wasted on Victoria's Big Build has accused the opposition of making "absurd" criticisms of Premier Ben Carroll's royal commission, which he said was "excellently" designed.
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