The short version
- The royal commission into Victoria’s major infrastructure projects begins public hearings during the final weeks of the state election campaign.
- Premier Ben Carroll faces political risk as allegations of union infiltration and government mismanagement dominate media coverage.
- Opposition parties plan to expand the inquiry’s scope, while internal Labor divisions persist over the timing and handling of past scandals.
Public hearings for the royal commission investigating Victoria’s major infrastructure projects commence on Monday, placing the inquiry squarely in the center of the state election campaign. The two-week period of public testimony arrives at a critical juncture for the Labor government, which had hoped to shift voter focus toward future policy directions rather than past controversies. For Premier Ben Carroll, whose ascent to leadership was driven by his commitment to addressing integrity failures, the timing presents a significant strategic challenge. While the commission offers an opportunity to demonstrate transparency, it also risks keeping damaging allegations in the public eye during the final stretch of voting.
Carroll’s decision to establish the inquiry stands as one of his first major actions after assuming office. His predecessor, Jacinta Allan, faced intense pressure from within her own party room to call for an investigation into criminal infiltration of government construction projects. Despite acknowledging that criminals had penetrated these initiatives, Allan declined to launch a royal commission, a stance that ultimately contributed to her resignation. Carroll positioned himself as a leader willing to confront uncomfortable truths, stating his desire to be known for acting on integrity promises. This move has drawn praise from some long-time critics of the government, including former state ombudsman Deborah Glass, who described the inquiry as a necessary examination of a shameful period in Victorian history.
However, the political costs are becoming apparent. Early submissions to the commission have already generated negative headlines for Labor. William McDougall, a planning expert with decades of experience in government projects, submitted a scathing assessment alleging that Labor advisers influenced major decisions without adequate transparency or accountability. He argued that the current system discourages dissent and weakens oversight, creating conditions where misconduct can thrive. Although the government denies these claims, they resonate with voter concerns about corruption and integrity failures, which recent polling identified as top issues preventing people from supporting Labor.
The commission’s initial focus includes the conduct of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) on rail projects in Sunbury. This union has been central to the broader scandal, particularly following revelations in 2024 that linked high-ranking bikie figures to union delegate positions on Big Build sites. The exposure of these connections led to the resignation of then-CFMEU boss John Setka after twelve years in leadership. For Labor, which traditionally relies on union support, this association poses a delicate balancing act. While some MPs argue that earlier and more robust responses to the initial allegations might have limited political damage, the current administration is now forced to manage the fallout in real time.
Internal divisions within Labor remain evident. Some members of parliament continue to express regret over the commission’s timing, fearing it will overshadow other campaign messages. Union relations are also strained; the Electrical Trades Union has decided not to fund Labor’s campaign, a move that could have financial implications for the party. Despite these tensions, senior Labor sources indicate that Carroll intends to own the process, framing it as a necessary step toward accountability rather than an admission of guilt. The strategy involves allowing the commission to proceed without interference, hoping that thorough investigation will eventually clear the air.
The opposition Coalition views the inquiry as a significant advantage. Liberal plans include expanding the commission’s remit to explicitly investigate all trade unions and examine the political and financial incentives behind the Big Build. By broadening the scope, the opposition aims to inflict further damage on Labor and its allies in the union movement. This approach underscores the high stakes of the election, with polls suggesting that Labor is vulnerable if integrity concerns remain prominent in voters’ minds.
Regardless of the election outcome on November 28, the royal commission will likely define Carroll’s early tenure. If Labor loses, the inquiry may stand as his lasting legacy—a bold but politically costly attempt to restore trust in government institutions. If they win, the findings could still reshape policy and governance practices for years to come. Deborah Glass remains hopeful that the commission will deliver a forensic analysis of what went wrong, providing clarity on systemic failures rather than merely assigning blame. The coming weeks will test whether this process can achieve its stated goals without derailing the broader political landscape.
As hearings begin, the focus shifts from speculation to evidence. Witnesses will be called to account for their roles in major public and civil infrastructure projects, offering a rare glimpse into the decision-making processes behind Victoria’s ambitious building agenda. The outcome of this inquiry could influence not only the current election but also future approaches to public procurement and union relations. For voters, the challenge lies in weighing the government’s commitment to transparency against the potential risks of prolonged exposure to scandal during a pivotal democratic moment.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗A Big Build royal commission helped Ben Carroll become premier. Will it be his downfall?
