Victoria Big Build Royal Commission: Bikies and Corruption Cost 2026

Victoria's Big Build royal commission has exposed shocking allegations of bikies, corruption, and cost blowouts in major infrastructure projects. The first public hearing revealed that Premier Jacinta Allan was aware of claims that the construction union allowed criminals and outlaw motorcycle club members onto state projects as early as 2023. This inquiry, officially named the royal commission into the integrity of major public and civil infrastructure construction projects in Victoria, has already held closed hearings and plans to continue public hearings during the November state election campaign.

What the Royal Commission Has Uncovered So Far

During Wednesday's hearing, two confidential briefings written by four public servants from the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority (MTIA) and the transport department were tendered. Both were dated 21 June 2023, when Allan was the minister for transport infrastructure. The first briefing, which Allan did not sign, warned that the industrial relations environment on MTIA projects had become highly challenging, with an increase in concerning behaviour that could significantly impact project costs and schedule.

This included the construction union pressuring contractors to agree to additional staff and the use of certain people and companies in order to avoid industrial disputation, as well as potential criminal elements (for example outlaw motorcycle club members and convicted criminals) being preselected for work on state projects.

Key Allegations and Entities Involved

• Construction union accused of allowing criminals and bikies on state projects.
• Major Transport Infrastructure Authority (MTIA) and transport department public servants authored confidential briefings.
• Premier Jacinta Allan allegedly knew of these allegations as early as 2023.
• Royal commission plans public hearings during the November state election campaign.

The Cost of Corruption in Victoria's Big Build

The royal commission is investigating how criminal elements and union pressure have driven up costs and delayed projects. The briefings warned that the industrial relations environment could significantly impact project costs and schedule. This has led to concerns about moral compass malfunctions and corruption within the construction industry.

With billions of dollars at stake, the inquiry aims to uncover the extent of the problem and recommend reforms to ensure integrity in major public and civil infrastructure construction projects.

Comparison of Project Impacts

What This Means for Victoria's Infrastructure

The revelations from the royal commission could have far-reaching implications for Victoria's infrastructure projects. If corruption and criminal influence are not addressed, costs could continue to rise, and public trust could erode. The inquiry's findings may lead to stricter regulations and oversight, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and ethically.

As the royal commission continues, it will be crucial to monitor how the government responds and whether reforms are implemented to restore integrity in the construction industry.

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