Royal Commission into the Construction Sector

Labor is delivering an independent Royal Commission to expose crime and misconduct in the Construction Sector and stop it happening again.

Ben Carroll’s first act as Premier was to call a Royal Commission into the construction sector - and it is already underway.

Integrity is not optional. That is the standard Ben Carroll has set as Premier, and it applies equally in business, politics and the union movement.

Victorians deserve answers about what happened on major projects, who allowed it and what must change.

Led by former South Australian Chief Justice Chris Kourakis, the independent Commission has broad terms of reference covering the CFMEU, construction companies, labour hire firms and the role of government in overseeing major projects.

Ministers, former ministers, senior officials, union leaders and company executives can all face scrutiny. The independent Commissioner decides whose evidence is needed.

Labor is funding the inquiry with up to $50 million and has asked it to report within 12 months, so Victorians get thorough and timely answers.

We’re backing the Commission with an independent Special Prosecutor to help ensure evidence of wrongdoing is referred to police, IBAC and other relevant authorities and acted on.

We’re also strengthening the Commission’s powers to demand information and written answers beyond formal hearings.

Labor has given IBAC stronger “follow the money” powers to trace public funds through private contractors and subcontractors. A broader definition of corrupt conduct means more serious misconduct can be investigated.

Victorians deserve confidence that public money is respected, workers are protected and those who abuse their positions are held accountable.

Labor believes in protecting working people and respecting public money. Corruption is a betrayal of those values, and we will act to make sure it never happens again.