Calls for a top-level inquiry into corruption within Victoria’s major construction programs are growing, with both state and federal opposition parties joining industry stakeholders in demanding a royal commission. The investigation would aim to determine whether the state government was aware of kickbacks, coercion and criminal interference since 2023, but such a move could place political leadership and public trust in jeopardy.
Victoria’s Big Build, which includes large-scale transport upgrades such as road and rail projects, is under increased scrutiny following claims of unlawful activity at work sites. These concerns follow reports detailing widespread corruption and triggering questions about the role of unions and oversight bodies in maintaining ethical practices. Worries increased after it was disclosed that the government might have received early warnings but did not respond publicly.
The pressure intensified after opposition leaders and executives from major construction firms argued for better vetting of workers, particularly at high-security projects like prisons. Although some agencies reportedly received earlier allegations, critics say there was a failure to pursue them properly. One construction executive stated that, without legal mechanisms for identifying connections to criminal networks, risks of organised crime infiltration remain unaddressed.
Additional concerns are emerging from the federal level, where actions such as placing an administrator over the building union have not resolved gaps in accountability. Doubts remain over whether public funding, including federal money, is still backing contracts suspected of being compromised by corruption. A similar inquiry is underway in Queensland and some experts believe Victoria may need to follow suit if it intends to restore trust across the construction sector.
