Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan abruptly paused a media conference after a tense exchange with a Channel 10 reporter questioning her response to the growing CFMEU corruption scandal, highlighting mounting political pressure over the issue.
The confrontation occurred while Allan was answering questions about allegations linked to the construction union, including claims of intimidation and violence raised in a recent anti-corruption report.
In response to Premier Allan’s suggestion that alleged victims should go to Victoria Police, reporter Ms Maggio said the victims she had spoken to were too scared to go to the authorities.
“They don’t feel they can report it because they have already uprooted their lives for fear of people that are no longer in the CFMEU, but are controlling the CFMEU,” she said.
While Ms Maggio was asking the question, Premier looked in a different direction.
On which she said.
“You look disinterested.”
Premier Allan then blew up at the reporter, demanding she immediately retract the accusation and refused to answer any further questions until she did.
“Can I ask that you retract that last comment,” she said.
“Well, Premier, I’m sorry, but—” Ms Maggio replied.
“No, no, no, you’re not … For this press conference to continue, I ask that you retract that last observation. I was merely considering my answer to your question,” Ms Allan said.
Premier refused to proceed until the remark was addressed.
The stand-off dragged on until another reporter attempted to shift the press conference forward by asking a different question.
But Ms Allan interrupted, cutting off the second journalist and again demanding that Ms Maggio withdraw the remark.
“No, no, no, because I’m not going to stand here and be accused of something I haven’t done, and I would ask that you retract,” she said.
“I’m happy to answer other people’s questions, but I can’t unless I have that very clear statement that this allegation of how I was behaving is retracted.
“It’s up to you — if you’d only do it … I’ll take your silence as agreement that you have retracted your statement.”
The stand-off continued for several moments, with Allan stating she would not accept what she described as an unfair accusation about her conduct. The press conference eventually resumed after the exchange moved on.
Pressure intensifies over CFMEU corruption findings
The tense moment comes amid escalating scrutiny over a high-profile report by anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson, which alleged widespread misconduct linked to elements of the CFMEU and claimed corruption may have contributed to billions of dollars in cost blowouts on Victoria’s major infrastructure projects.
The report alleged that criminal figures and unlawful practices had infiltrated parts of the construction sector, with estimated taxpayer costs reaching up to $15 billion. The findings have triggered intense political debate and renewed calls from the opposition for a Royal Commission into the issue.
The Victorian government has rejected calls for a Royal Commission, arguing that existing police investigations and regulatory action are already underway.
Government defends response
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said authorities were taking concrete action, citing arrests and charges already laid in relation to construction sector investigations.
“The scoreboard says arrests have been made, charges have been laid,” he told reporters, dismissing aspects of the Watson report as unsubstantiated.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny also questioned the tone and credibility of parts of the report, while other government figures argued a Royal Commission would be lengthy and unnecessary given ongoing investigations.
Labor MPs have maintained that law enforcement agencies, not political inquiries, should lead the response to criminal behaviour.
Political and public scrutiny grows
Opposition MPs and critics continue to push for broader scrutiny, arguing that a full inquiry is needed to restore public confidence in Victoria’s major infrastructure projects.
The CFMEU controversy has dominated Victorian political debate in recent weeks, with the union previously placed into administration at a national level following allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration.
Thursday’s tense press conference is likely to further intensify focus on the Premier’s handling of the issue as questions continue over accountability, government oversight and the broader impact of the allegations.
Investigations into alleged criminal conduct remain ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to the police.
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