Victoria Royal Commission Opens Probe Into Construction Corruption

The Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects began its opening hearing on September 23, 2026, at the Melbourne Magistrates Court. Established by Ben Carroll, the $50 million inquiry investigates allegations of bribery, extortion, and criminal misconduct involving the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, construction firms, and government agencies. The probe focuses on the Big Build pipeline, with Counsel assisting the commission, Chris Young, noting the total value of projects nears $150 billion.

Commissioner Chris Kourakis warned industry participants that the commission will leave no stone unturned and encouraged voluntary cooperation to avoid being found out. The inquiry is examining whether organized crime gangs infiltrated taxpayer-funded sites, with reports suggesting $15 billion may have been lost to wrongdoing. As part of the proceedings, Chris Young tendered a June 2023 briefing as evidence, which warned then-minister for transport infrastructure Jacinta Allan that criminal elements and the union had infiltrated projects. A spokesperson for the former premier stated she was unaware of the brief.

The commission possesses coercive powers to compel witnesses and documents, including cabinet files, and may call former premiers Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews to testify. The Government of Victoria is also establishing an Office of the Special Prosecutor to manage potential criminal charges. The inquiry will conduct two blocks of public hearings before the end of the year and is scheduled to report its findings by August 20, 2027.