The opening public hearing of the royal commission into Victoria’s Big Build has revealed that Jacinta Allan knew of allegations concerning the construction union allowing criminals and bikies on state projects as early as 2023. The inquiry, formally known as the royal commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction, held its first public hearing on Wednesday.
During the hearing, two confidential briefings from June 2023 were tendered. The second briefing, signed by Allan on 22 June, included allegations that Toby Mitchell, a former member of the Mongols motorcycle club, and other known members of the Bandidos and ex-criminals were present on construction sites. Allan referred these allegations to then Victoria police commissioner Shane Patton on 23 June 2023.
The inquiry is tasked with investigating allegations of corruption, criminal conduct, and serious misconduct on the $150bn Big Build projects. Counsel assisting the commissioner, Christopher Carr SC, stated that their work would include an economic analysis of taxpayer money lost to corruption. He noted an $837m payment Allan signed off on in 2026, which included $200m for excess labour, suggesting the costs of corruption could be in the billions.
Commissioner Christopher Kourakis confirmed that the inquiry has already conducted closed hearings to gather sensitive information and vowed to hold as many public hearings as possible. Public hearings are planned to continue during the November state election campaign.