Victorian Infrastructure Inquiry Examines Allegations of Union Influence and Corruption

A royal commission into the integrity of Victorian infrastructure projects commenced public hearings this week to investigate allegations of corruption and undue influence by the construction union.

The inquiry, led by former South Australian chief justice Chris Kourakis, is examining the 2022 Gap Road level crossing removal project in Sunbury as its first major case study.

The commission is tasked with reviewing claims that government officials pressured contractors to accommodate the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union during the project's development.

Counsel assisting the inquiry, Young, told the hearing that some parties have failed to produce required documents, noting that "it is extremely concerning that some parties have not complied with the terms of those notices to produce."

Evidence presented to the commission suggests that construction firms feared the union due to its perceived proximity to the former state government.

Internal records from the company John Holland indicated that by 2021, the union was believed to "enjoy a significant level of influence within the state government."

The inquiry follows reports that taxpayers may have lost up to $15 billion to organized crime on government-funded projects, according to a previous review of union operations.

While the commission investigates past conduct, the future of state infrastructure oversight has become a point of contention ahead of the November 28 election.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson pledged on Sunday to retain the advisory body Infrastructure Victoria, which Premier Ben Carroll previously moved to abolish.

"I think it’s an important body that hasn’t been well used by this Labor government," said Wilson regarding the agency.

The commission is expected to continue its work through the end of the year, with potential witnesses including former premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan.