Victoria Royal Commission Compels Former Premier Jacinta Allan
Premier Ben Carroll's royal commission into infrastructure corruption will compel former Premier Jacinta Allan to testify amid allegations of union-led criminal infiltration.
The Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects is conducting public hearings in Melbourne to investigate corruption within Victoria's $150 billion Big Build program. Established by Ben Carroll as his first act in government, the $50 million inquiry follows allegations that the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union engaged in corrupt conduct that cost taxpayers an estimated $15 billion.
Public hearings began November 3, 2026, focusing on the June 2022 rail occupation at the Gap Road project in Sunbury, which was delivered by the Rail Infrastructure Alliance. The commission is investigating reports of bikie gang infiltration and serious misconduct. Former Premier Jacinta Allan, who previously refused to establish the probe, will be compelled to give evidence after being named in a June 2023 cabinet memo regarding industrial relations issues on public job sites.
The proceedings occur three weeks before the November 28 state election. While Carroll maintains the inquiry is necessary for integrity, the opposition Coalition intends to use the hearings to pressure the Labor Party and potentially expand the investigation to all trade unions. Commissioner Chris Kourakis KC is leading the probe, with a final report expected in August 2027.
