Top lawyer calls out 'absurd criticism' of Big Build royal commission
Anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson, who estimated a $15 billion taxpayer bill due to wastage on Big Build sites, has praised the terms of reference for a royal commission announced by the government.
Anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson SC has praised the newly announced terms of reference for Victoria's royal commission into the construction industry, dismissing opposition criticism as "absurd". The opposition recently criticized the terms, asserting that former premiers Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews would be exempt from being questioned.
However, Premier Ben Carroll refuted this claim, stating that all ministers and former premiers would indeed be subject to the commission. Watson, who estimated $15 billion in taxpayer funds wasted on Victoria's Big Build, described the terms as "excellently designed" and claimed it was unprecedented to dictate witnesses for a royal commission, as it would compromise its independence.
He urged the public not to undermine confidence in the commission before it even begins, as the purpose is to rebuild trust in government.
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