The inquiry, formally established a month ago, began with Commissioner Chris Kourakis presenting the full set of confidential papers that show Allan knew more than three years ago that the “Big Build” – a $150 billion suite of rail, road and tunnel projects – faced significant risk of misconduct.
Kourakis used the opening session to outline a set of ethical standards for publicly funded megaprojects, stressing that governments must select projects based on genuine socioeconomic need rather than partisan advantage and that elected officials and agencies must manage contracts with diligence and transparency.
Among the released documents are concerns raised by the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority (MTIA) about organised‑crime figures appearing on construction sites for projects such as the North East Link, West Gate Tunnel, Metro Tunnel and the ongoing level‑crossing removal program.
The papers record that Allan forwarded the intelligence to then‑police chief Shane Patton the following day, but the commission will examine whether that response was sufficient and what further actions senior officials, including MTIA boss Kevin Devlin, took to protect the integrity of the projects.
Counsel assisting the commission, Chris Young KC, highlighted the broader context: the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in Victoria has been accused of operating beyond traditional union roles, allegedly facilitating payments to organised‑crime figure Mick Gatto and others in exchange for union‑endorsed enterprise bargaining agreements on subcontractors.
CFMEU officials were described by counsel Chris Carr SC as having “abused their special privileges and powers for personal gain,” with allegations that the union’s leadership enriched both themselves and criminal networks at the expense of taxpayers.
The commission, which also noted the impending dismantling of the federal Australian Building and Construction Commission under the Albanese government, signalled it will assess the veracity of these claims and determine whether the alleged “pork‑barrelling” on Victoria’s infrastructure programme amounts to a systemic breach of public trust.
Kourakis emphasized that the inquiry is not merely a fact‑finding mission but a “clean‑up” effort aimed at restoring confidence in how Victoria commissions, designs, manages and safeguards large‑scale public works.