{
  "id": 19039678,
  "title": "Live: Victoria's Big Build royal commission gets underway",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/live-victorias-big-build-royal-commission-gets-underway",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T23:17:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-09/vic-election-blog-big-build-royal-commission/107357514"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Public hearings have commenced for Victoria's royal commission investigating allegations of corruption on government building sites. This follows the state's election campaign entering its final three-week phase. Premier Ben Carroll established the royal commission as his first act, distancing himself from his predecessor Jacinta Allan. However, the government failed to gain a poll boost from the leadership change, suggesting voters may not reward Labor if the inquiry uncovers new corruption claims. The ABC's state political reporter, Richard Willingham, provides an analysis of the situation. The construction sites of Victoria's Big Build have become focal points for accusations of criminal misconduct, corruption, and serious negligence. The royal commission, initiated by the Victorian government, began its public hearings this week. To understand how we arrived at this point, refer to our explanatory piece below: We will offer live coverage daily as the royal commission progresses, leading up to the Victorian state election on November 28. While political parties engage in their campaigns, the Big Build royal commission will commence its initial block of public hearings today, examining allegations of corruption on Victoria's public infrastructure projects. Live updates from these hearings, along with all significant political developments ahead of the state election, will be provided.",
  "summary": "The first block of public hearings in the the Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects in Victoria is underway. Follow live in our blog.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "Big Build royal commission LIVE updates: Big Build project, CFMEU under microscope as state’s long-awaited construction royal commission begins",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/big-build-royal-commission-live-updates-big-build-project-cfmeu-under",
        "published": "2026-11-08T22:33:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "Big Build royal commission LIVE updates: Big Build project, CFMEU under microscope as state’s long-awaited construction royal commission begins",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/big-build-royal-commission-live-updates-big-build-project-cfmeu-under-19032578",
        "published": "2026-11-08T22:33:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}