Bikies, ‘moral compass malfunctions’ and corruption cost: Victoria’s Big Build royal commission holds first public hearing

Victoria's Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects commenced its first public hearing today. The inquiry is tasked with examining allegations of corruption, criminal conduct, and other serious misconduct linked to major infrastructure projects, including Victoria's Big Build.

The opening hearing, though brief, revealed two key aspects of the commission's approach. Firstly, it indicated the commission's willingness to swiftly hold all relevant parties in the Victorian construction sector accountable. Secondly, there is a possibility that the commission could delve into the personal lives of top officials, potentially questioning former Victorian premier Jacinta Allan.

The royal commission, established by Premier Ben Carroll, has been granted extensive powers to investigate various parties, from union officials to private contractors and even government executives. The commission is led by former South Australian Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Kourakis, with a deadline to deliver its final report by August 20, 2027.

The hearing today, though relatively short, included a 26-minute reading of the commission's terms of reference. It was also disclosed that the commission has already held private hearings, which highlights its urgency to complete the investigation by the stipulated deadline. Counsel assisting the commission, Chris Young, cautioned that "anyone who has an ambition to remain in the industry will be better served by early voluntary co-operation and disclosures."

The commission also received a confidential June 2023 briefing to former Premier Jacinta Allan, raising allegations of bikie gang presence on worksites and industrial relations issues that could significantly impact project costs and schedules. Allan has previously denied knowledge of this briefing, and her direct participation could help clarify these matters.

The commission's first round of public hearings is expected to conclude before the November state election, suggesting that public witness hearings will begin shortly. The outcome of the election may also influence the commission's operations, as the Coalition government has pledged to broaden the terms of reference to investigate potential political motivations behind the construction projects.

The commission's focus will undoubtedly be on exposing the "rotting head" of the Victorian construction sector, scrutinizing the conduct of union bosses, private contractors, and ministers involved in a nearly A$150 billion public construction sector.