Allan Rejects Royal Commission

Premier Jacinta Allan has again rejected calls for a Royal Commission into alleged corruption surrounding Victoria’s Big Build projects and the CFMEU, despite mounting political pressure ahead of November’s state election.

The issue has remained at the centre of Victorian politics since February, following the release of a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson KC containing serious allegations of criminal and improper conduct within the Victorian branch of the CFMEU.

Since then, the Opposition and several minor parties have called for a Royal Commission into the alleged misconduct and its relationship with major government construction projects.

The issue is expected to remain a key election battleground as Victorians prepare to head to the polls in November, with integrity, government spending and accountability likely to feature prominently during the campaign.

According to the CFMEU’s administrator, the 136-page report has been referred to the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, the Fair Work Commission and other relevant authorities for consideration.

Scathing Report Not Going Away

The report contains numerous allegations of serious criminal and improper conduct. None of the allegations have been tested in court, and no findings of criminal guilt have been made.

Evidence presented during the inquiry estimated the alleged corruption and misconduct may have cost Victorian taxpayers around $15 billion, a figure described as equivalent to more than $5,000 per Victorian household.

Those estimates also remain allegations contained within the report and have not been independently verified or proven.

Among the allegations are claims that women were recruited from strip clubs, employed on six-figure salaries as “cleaners” before performing for workers in site sheds.

The report also alleges organised crime figures infiltrated major construction projects, with outlaw motorcycle gangs allegedly using some worksites as drug distribution hubs while underworld identities allegedly profited by tens of millions of dollars through industry dealings.

Claims of Corruption Acknowledged

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ms Allan again rejected calls for a Royal Commission, instead attributing Big Build cost blowouts to inflation rather than corruption.

Ms Allan acknowledged “claims and allegations” had been made but said “there is no evidence of government corruption on the Big Build” and repeated that anyone with evidence or allegations should take them to Victoria Police.

Ms Allan served as Minister for Transport Infrastructure between 2018 and 2023, overseeing much of Victoria’s Big Build program before becoming Premier.

Opponents argue only a Royal Commission would have the powers to compel witnesses, examine evidence under oath and determine whether corruption occurred within Victoria’s construction sector.

The Allan Government maintains existing investigations by law enforcement agencies and regulators are the appropriate avenue to examine any alleged criminal conduct.

At this stage, the allegations contained in the Watson report remain unproven, with investigations by the relevant authorities ongoing.