Royal Commission to Probe Alleged Corruption in Victoria’s Big Build Projects Begins

The Victorian government has launched a royal commission to examine claims of corruption, criminal conduct and serious misconduct on its extensive road and rail programme known as the Big Build. The investigation stems from investigative journalism that linked the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union and organised-crime figures to union delegate positions on projects, prompting the resignation of CFMEU leader John Setka and federal intervention by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

A report by Geoffrey Watson SC suggested as much as $15 billion could have been diverted to criminal gangs. The commission, led by Kourakis with a $50 million budget, can subpoena cabinet papers and compel testimony from ministers, former ministers, union leaders and company executives, and must deliver findings by 20 August 2027. Its opening hearing in Melbourne magistrates court will be brief, administrative and streamed live, with future public hearings planned. Should a Coalition government take power after the November election, two additional commissioners could be added and the scope broadened to all trade unions and political incentives behind the projects.