Victoria, Australia, to hold first hearing of construction corruption commission
An opening hearing of the Royal Commission into the integrity of major public and civil infrastructure construction projects will take place in the Australian state of Victoria next Wednesday. The commission will investigate alleged corruption in the state’s major infrastructure projects.
The hearing will be held at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. As ABC News Australia reports, it is likely to consider the commission’s terms of reference and the next steps in the investigation. Witnesses are planned to be heard at subsequent hearings.
Terms of reference and timeline of the investigation
Victoria Premier Ben Carroll announced the establishment of the commission in July, promising a comprehensive investigation into corruption allegations. In August, he presented its terms of reference, calling them broad and stating that no limits would be imposed on what it could examine.
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The commission is to establish the extent of corruption in major infrastructure projects, the effectiveness of oversight by government bodies, and measures taken by contractors to reduce risks. It will also examine corruption, criminal conduct and serious misconduct at construction sites. A report to the state government is expected by August 2027.
Commission leadership
The commission will be led by former Chief Justice of South Australia Christopher Kourakis. Its budget is AUD 50 million. Kourakis will determine which individuals and matters are relevant to the investigation, including potentially former premiers.
In early September, the commission appointed Emma Catford as chief executive officer. Senior barristers Chris Young and Christopher Carr were appointed as counsel assisting the commission. The schedule of public hearings will be released later, and the hearings will be streamed online unless another decision is made.
