Lead

New Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced a royal commission into the construction sector, his first major act after taking office. The move marks a clear departure from his predecessor, Jacinta Allan, who resisted calls for such an inquiry. Carroll's announcement, made shortly after being sworn in, has been welcomed by integrity experts but critics are awaiting more details on the scope of the investigation.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from ABC Australia and The Guardian — World describe Carroll's announcement as a "new direction" for the government. Carroll has promised "integrity will not be optional" and said he wants "exhaustive terms of reference" for the commission, covering "top-tier contractors, subcontractors, labour hire, government, unions."

Guardian Australia reports that the commission could hold hearings before the November state election, as Carroll said it would be established "as soon as possible." Carroll also said a special prosecutor would be appointed to work in parallel with the commission, and that the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) would be given follow-the-money powers.

ABC Australia reports that Carroll asked the head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet to "get to work immediately" on the commission, which will investigate corruption in the multi-decade, $100 billion government construction project known as the "Big Build."

Former Premier Allan's resistance to a royal commission is noted in multiple reports, with ABC Australia reporting that her failure to act on the corruption scandal contributed to her losing the support of Labor caucus. The Guardian reports that Allan had resisted calls for a royal commission into allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs infiltrated major infrastructure projects.

Key Claims

  • New Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has called a royal commission into the construction sector, as reported by multiple outlets.
  • The royal commission will investigate corruption in the multi-decade, $100 billion government construction project known as the "Big Build," as reported by ABC Australia.
  • Estimates suggest Victorian taxpayers have lost up to $15 billion due to corruption, a claim carried by multiple outlets and attributed to integrity expert Geoffrey Watson SC.
  • CFMEU administrator Michael Crosby received threats from former union boss John Setka, as reported by ABC Australia and The Guardian.
  • Crosby is committed to changing the culture of the union, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • The union was placed into administration by the Albanese government due to organised crime infiltration, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • Crosby believes criminal elements no longer hold sway in the union, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • Former Premier Jacinta Allan resisted calls for a royal commission into the construction sector, as reported by multiple outlets.

Perspectives

Premier Ben Carroll: Carroll has positioned the royal commission as a key part of his new government's agenda, promising exhaustive terms of reference and a special prosecutor to work alongside the inquiry. He has said "integrity will not be optional" and that he wants to leave "no stone unturned."

CFMEU Administrator Michael Crosby: Crosby, who has received threats from former CFMEU boss John Setka, has expressed commitment to reforming the union. He believes criminal elements no longer hold sway and has highlighted efforts to remove leaders and staff associated with corruption. Crosby has also questioned the value of royal commissions, according to ABC Australia's 7.30 interview.

Integrity Experts: Figures like Geoffrey Watson SC and William Partlett have offered mixed reactions. Watson noted that nobody from the Victorian Labor government has contacted him about his report alleging corruption and the $15 billion estimate. Partlett described the commission as an "important signal" for voters that the government is taking action, suggesting it could help Labor's standing at the upcoming election.

Transparency International Australia: The anti-corruption organisation welcomed the announcement, stating that a forensic investigation is the only way for the government to win back the trust of Victorians. Chief executive Clancy Moore said a royal commission with broad terms of reference and strong coercive powers is key to uncovering what went wrong.

Victorian Opposition: Reaction from the Victorian opposition is mentioned in ABC Australia reports, though specific details are not provided in the available material.