Investigative journalist Nick McKenzie said a new Victorian royal commission into the Big Build program and CFMEU corruption arrived too late [1].
The timing of the inquiry is critical because it suggests a delay in government action despite available evidence of misconduct. If the commission fails to address systemic failures quickly, it may struggle to recover funds or hold officials accountable for long-standing corruption.
The commission was established to investigate allegations of wrongdoing within the state's massive infrastructure projects and the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) [1]. While McKenzie welcomed the decision to launch the probe, he said the move came roughly two years [1], [2] after the misconduct was first reported to the public.
Victoria's Big Build represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in the state's history. The focus on the CFMEU suggests the inquiry will examine how union influence and potential corruption may have impacted the delivery and cost of these projects [1].
McKenzie's assessment highlights a gap between the reporting of corruption and the formal state response. The delay means that some evidence may have diminished, or key actors may have moved on before the royal commission could exercise its powers [2].
The probe now faces the task of untangling complex relationships between government agencies, private contractors, and union officials. The outcome will likely determine whether the state implements stricter oversight for future infrastructure spending [1].
“The royal commission is two years too late”
The gap between the initial reporting of misconduct and the establishment of a royal commission often indicates a political hesitation to act. In this case, the two-year delay may hinder the ability of investigators to secure fresh evidence, potentially limiting the commission's effectiveness in cleaning up the Big Build program.
