Victorian Royal Commission Probes CFMEU Influence on Big Build
A royal commission is investigating allegations that the CFMEU used intimidation and government ties to inflate costs and control Victoria's infrastructure projects.
A $50 million royal commission established by Premier Ben Carroll is investigating alleged corruption and the undue influence of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) over Victoria's 'Big Build' infrastructure projects. The inquiry is probing whether the union used safety and entry powers as industrial leverage and examining potential links between the construction industry and organized crime.
Recent hearings focused on a June 2022 work stoppage at the Gap Road project in Sunbury. Counsel assisting Chris Young KC presented evidence that union officials used threats and physical blockades to stop work, later issuing dispensations that forced subcontractors to pay workers triple-time. Government officials estimate that applying these union rates across major projects like the North East Link could exceed $400 million in additional costs. Evidence also suggests that Victoria Police and WorkSafe declined requests to remove union officials from the site.
Internal documents from construction firms indicate the CFMEU held unprecedented access to the state government under former Premier Daniel Andrews. Former Premier Jacinta Allan was reportedly warned about cost blowouts both before and after the 2022 election. While Premier Carroll defended the inquiry as an independent process, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson criticized the state for using taxpayer funds to provide legal defense for Andrews and Allan. The commission has processed over 110,000 documents and expects to release its final report in August 2027.
