Royal Commission into Victoria's Big Build Project Begins Public Hearings

Public hearings for the royal commission investigating alleged corruption, criminal wrongdoing, and serious misconduct across Victoria's Big Build infrastructure projects have commenced. Established by Premier Ben Carroll, the inquiry is examining how government funds were allocated, how project decisions were made, and allegations regarding industrial relations practices on major public work sites.

During the opening proceedings, counsel assisting Chris Young KC detailed the scope of the preliminary investigation, noting that the commission has already issued hundreds of notices, requested over 110,000 documents, and conducted private hearings with witnesses. Young cautioned that harsh penalties apply to anyone attempting to threaten or punish witnesses summoned to testify, stating that any such instances would be referred immediately to Victoria Police.

Key Themes and Briefing Documents Detail Site Issues

The commission highlighted several initial investigative themes while emphasizing that the matters remain allegations at this stage, some of which have been denied. Issues under review include claims that unelected union delegates were placed on sites as health and safety representatives by the CFMEU via labor hire companies, an increase in work stoppages following the federal Labor government's defunding and abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), and instances where contractors paid costs to maintain peace and passed those expenses onto the state. Future hearing blocks are scheduled to examine the integration of organized crime within the construction industry, including large payments made for intimidation services.

A June 21, 2023 briefing sent to then-Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan was tendered to the commission. The document outlined contractor pressuring, intimidatory tactics to force extra site staffing, non-acquiescence to 24/7 rosters leading to delays, an increase in non-working union delegates, threats of unprotected industrial action, requests for allowances beyond relevant enterprise bargaining agreements, and concerns that industrial disputes were being inaccurately presented as safety issues with minimal WorkSafe engagement.

Focus on Gap Road Level Crossing Removal

The initial public hearings are focusing on events from June 2022 at the Gap Road level crossing removal project in Sunbury, part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade. Announced in 2018 with a target cost of $110 million and a planned completion date of April 23, 2023, the project was managed by the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority through the Rail Network Alliance, which included CPB Contractors and John Holland.

Critical works required a complete shutdown of the Sunbury line in June 2022, stopping train services and blocking traffic. The inquiry is specifically examining a work stoppage that occurred on June 6 and 7, 2022. Following a meeting at CFMEU offices on June 7, work resumed with site control transferred to the union. The commission is investigating the details of these arrangements, their financial impact, and the extent of government awareness regarding the events.