Big Build Corruption Inquiry
Victoria launches royal commission to investigate corruption in the Big Build program.
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Key Points
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The opening hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and will be livestreamed on the royal commission’s website.
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Corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson estimated that about $15 billion may have been misappropriated from Victoria’s Big Build program, substantially exceeding the commission’s $50 million operating cost.
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Geoffrey Watson said the commissioner should move quickly and forcefully to establish credibility, arguing that early assurances about confidentiality and witness security could persuade people with relevant information to come forward.
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The inquiry’s powers could extend to former premier Daniel Andrews, Premier Jacinta Allan and senior advisers, including officials who reportedly warned Allan in writing about alleged CFMEU lawlessness, cost overruns and organised-crime infiltration of taxpayer-funded projects.
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Hearings are generally intended to be public, but the commissioner can order portions to be held privately where necessary.
Victoria's royal commission into corruption in the $100 billion Big Build infrastructure program held its opening public hearing in Melbourne on Wednesday, with former South Australian Chief Justice Christopher Kourakis leading the inquiry The Saturday Paper. The commission has broad powers to summon politicians, advisers, public servants, union officials and construction companies, and will investigate alleged misconduct linked to the Victorian CFMEU union SBS.
Corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson urged Kourakis to act quickly and forcefully to build public trust and encourage witnesses to come forward The Age. Watson estimated that roughly $15 billion may have been misappropriated from the Big Build program — substantially more than the commission's $50 million budget The Age.
Royal Commission Begins Investigation Into Big Build Integrity
The Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects began its first public hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday The Saturday Paper. Victorian barristers Chris Young KC and Christopher Carr SC are assisting the inquiry as counsel The Saturday Paper. The commission is expected to deliver its final report by August 20 next year.
The inquiry will examine Victoria's $100 billion Big Build infrastructure program and alleged links to criminal conduct involving government oversight and the CFMEU union SBS. A new Office of the Special Prosecutor will pursue potential criminal charges based on the commission's findings SBS.
Commission Can Summon Former Premier Daniel Andrews and Senior Officials
The royal commission's powers extend to former premier Daniel Andrews, current Premier Jacinta Allan and senior government advisers The Age. Officials reportedly warned Allan in writing about alleged CFMEU lawlessness, cost overruns and organised-crime infiltration of taxpayer-funded Big Build projects The Age.
Most hearings will be held in public, but Kourakis can order portions to be held privately where necessary to protect witness security or confidentiality The Saturday Paper. The first block of hearings is set to conclude before the state election in November SBS.
Watson Calls for Swift Action to Establish Credibility With Witnesses
Geoffrey Watson told the commission that early assurances about confidentiality and witness security could persuade people with relevant information to come forward The Age. Watson said Kourakis should move quickly and forcefully to establish credibility and build public confidence in the inquiry The Age.
Watson's estimate of $15 billion in potential misappropriation far exceeds the commission's $50 million operating budget, highlighting the scale of alleged misconduct in the Big Build program The Age. The hearings will be livestreamed on the royal commission's website for public access The Saturday Paper.
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