Victoria's construction sector royal commission to open next week

Victoria is set to launch its royal commission into construction sector corruption next Wednesday. The inquiry, called by newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll in July, aims to investigate allegations of corruption on major Victorian construction projects. The commission's findings will be reported to the state government by August next year, just two months before the state election.

Ben Carroll initiated the inquiry, promising a thorough examination of corruption allegations as soon as possible. The commission, led by former South Australian Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Kourakis, will report back on the inquiry's terms of reference and next steps during the opening hearing. The terms of reference are broad, covering the extent of corruption on infrastructure projects, government oversight effectiveness, and contractors' risk mitigation efforts.

The commission, with a $50 million budget, plans to hold public hearings that will be live-streamed unless otherwise directed. Current expectations are unclear regarding the timing of further hearings following the opening hearing. The inquiry aims to determine relevant parties involved, including former premiers, and address concerns from the opposition about the inquiry's ability to uncover the full impact of corruption in the sector, estimated to have cost Victorian taxpayers up to $15 billion.