Victoria’s Premier Ben Carroll has announced a $50 million Royal Commission into crime and misconduct in the state’s construction industry, promising broad powers to investigate organised crime, unions, construction companies and government oversight.
Carroll said the inquiry would examine how organised crime entered Victorian building sites, who knew about it and what could be done to prevent it happening again.
“I did that because Victorians deserve the truth,” Carroll said in a statement announcing the Commission’s structure and terms of reference.
The Premier has appointed former South Australian Supreme Court Chief Justice Chris Kourakis AC as Royal Commissioner. Kourakis served on the court for more than 18 years and is a former Solicitor-General and Companion of the Order of Australia.
Carroll said the Commissioner had been deliberately chosen for his independence and legal experience.
“I chose someone independent, rigorous and fearless. The best in Australia. Because that is what this job demands.”
The Royal Commission will have broad terms of reference covering the conduct of the CFMEU, construction companies, labour hire firms, consortia and criminal actors involved in major Victorian projects.
It will also examine the role of the Victorian Government, including Ministers, departments and agencies responsible for overseeing major projects.
Importantly, the terms of reference leave it to the Commissioner to determine whose conduct and knowledge are relevant to the investigation.
Carroll said the Commission would not be restricted by political considerations and could call current or former Ministers, senior public servants, union leaders and company executives if the Commissioner considers their evidence relevant.
The inquiry will receive up to $50 million in funding, with Carroll directing it to report within 12 months.
The Premier said the Commission would examine financial flows, systems allegedly exploited by criminal networks and the failures that allowed misconduct to occur.
But Carroll acknowledged that a Royal Commission itself cannot prosecute people. “A Royal Commission does not have the power to charge or prosecute anyone,” he said.
“It can compel evidence and make findings, but it cannot put people before a court.”
To ensure findings lead to criminal investigations and prosecutions where appropriate, the Government plans to establish an Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The office will work alongside the Royal Commission and is intended to investigate and pursue wrongdoing uncovered during the inquiry.
Legislation to establish the office is expected to be introduced in September, with Carroll saying the Special Prosecutor will have independent prosecution powers.
The Premier also announced plans to expand the powers of Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog, IBAC.
Legislation is being drafted to give IBAC greater “follow the money” powers and broaden the definition of corrupt conduct.
Carroll said the measures were designed to ensure the Royal Commission’s findings resulted in action rather than simply being published.
“Findings will not sit on a shelf. They will be acted on.”
The Royal Commission is the first major initiative announced by Carroll since becoming Premier, with the Government framing it as a comprehensive investigation into the intersection of organised crime, corruption and Victoria’s construction industry.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
