Victoria Big Build royal commission opens; premier knew of union-bikie corruption claims since 2023

The royal commission into Victoria's A$150bn infrastructure pipeline held its first public hearing, revealing Premier Jacinta Allan was aware of allegations that construction unions allowed criminals and bikies onto state projects as early as 2023. The inquiry, tasked with investigating corruption and criminal conduct across the Big Build program, signals a major escalation in accountability for the state's largest public works initiative. The extent of corruption and the political fallout remain uncertain as hearings proceed.