Victorian Premier's Royal Commission Plan Could Aid Labor Election Chances, Expert Says

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced the establishment of a royal commission into the state's construction sector as his first official act. This move follows sustained pressure to investigate alleged corruption within the government's Big Build infrastructure program. Carroll stated the commission's terms of reference would be "exhaustive" and it would be established "as soon as possible," suggesting it could commence hearings before the state election in November.

In parallel, a special prosecutor will be appointed, and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission will be strengthened with enhanced investigative powers. This initiative comes after Carroll's predecessor, Jacinta Allan, had resisted calls for such an inquiry, despite allegations that organized crime figures and bikie gangs had infiltrated major infrastructure projects.

William Partlett, an associate professor of law and fellow at the Centre for Public Integrity, commented that the decision was not surprising given the pressure Allan faced. He believes the commission, if broad in scope and transparent, could serve as an "important signal" to voters that the government is addressing issues, potentially boosting Labor's standing in the upcoming election. Partlett emphasized the importance of the commission beginning promptly and ensuring its terms of reference are comprehensive, covering private organizations, unions, institutions, and government officials.

A report by Geoffrey Watson SC, director of the Centre for Public Integrity, previously found that the "flood of government money" into the Big Build projects made them "ripe for corruption." The report detailed allegations of both "ad hoc corruption" by former organizers and delegates, and more "organised or systemic corruption" involving collaboration between some elements of the CFMEU and outlaw motorcycle gangs. It also alleged that the government was aware of wrongdoing but took no action.