Bikies, ‘moral compass malfunctions’ and corruption cost: Victoria’s Big Build royal commission holds first public hearing
The royal commission into Victoria's Big Build infrastructure projects held its first public hearing, revealing that former Premier Jacinta Allan was aware of allegations regarding criminal presence on construction sites as early as 2023. Documents tendered to the inquiry indicate that Allan referred reports of bikie members and other criminals on state projects to police before a major media investigation exposed the issues. The commission aims to conduct a thorough economic analysis to determine the true financial impact of corruption on the state's $150 billion infrastructure pipeline.
- ▪Confidential briefings from June 2023 show that Jacinta Allan was informed about potential criminal elements, including outlaw motorcycle club members, on major transport infrastructure projects.
- ▪Allan signed a second briefing and subsequently referred the allegations of criminal activity to the Victoria police commissioner in June 2023.
- ▪The royal commission is investigating a $150 billion pipeline of projects, including the North East Link and Metro Tunnel, for corruption and serious misconduct.
- ▪Counsel assisting the commissioner noted that an $837 million settlement included $200 million for excess labor, suggesting the cost of corruption may be in the billions of dollars.
- ▪The inquiry has already conducted closed hearings to gather sensitive information and plans to hold further public hearings during the November state election campaign.
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| Publication time | Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:22:50 GMT |
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Commissioner Christopher Kourakis also revealed that the inquiry had already held several closed hearings to obtain ‘sensitive information’. Photograph: Joe Armao/AAPView image in fullscreenCommissioner Christopher Kourakis also revealed that the inquiry had already held several closed hearings to obtain ‘sensitive information’. Photograph: Joe Armao/AAPVictorian politicsBikies, ‘moral compass malfunctions’ and corruption cost: Victoria’s Big Build royal commission holds first public hearing Inquiry investigating allegations of corruption and criminal conduct on $150bn state’s pipeline of infrastructure projects to leave ‘no stone unturned’ Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondent Wed 23 Sep 2026 01.22 EDTLast modified on Wed 23 Sep 2026 01.25 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe…
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