Victoria’s royal commission into alleged corruption and criminal influence on major public construction projects has opened its public work, beginning an inquiry with powers to compel witnesses, obtain documents and examine whether taxpayer money can be recovered.
The Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects held its opening hearing on Wednesday. Former South Australian chief justice Chris Kourakis is leading the inquiry, assisted by Chris Young KC and Christopher Carr SC.
Its terms cover alleged corruption, criminal conduct and serious misconduct involving unions, contractors, subcontractors, labor-hire companies and public agencies across Victoria’s large road and rail program. It will also consider whether departments and project-delivery bodies met their oversight duties.
The allegations include claims that organized-crime figures gained positions connected with the construction union and that procurement and labor practices inflated public costs. Those claims remain allegations. The commission’s task is investigative and fact-finding; its opening does not establish criminal liability for any person or organization.
The inquiry has a budget of A$50 million and may demand cabinet material and witness attendance. Hearings are expected to be public and livestreamed where appropriate. The commissioner can call current or former ministers, officials, union leaders and company executives if their evidence is relevant.
A final report is due by August 20, 2027. The commission may recommend prosecutions, civil recovery or institutional reform, but criminal guilt can be determined only through separate court proceedings.
Official royal commission website
