Victorian government launches review of construction sector amid misconduct allegations

The Victorian government has announced an independent review of the state’s construction sector following allegations of criminal and unlawful behavior.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the review aims to “eradicate the rotten culture exposed in parts of the Victorian construction sector.”

Greg Wilson, former Secretary of the Department of Justice and Regulation, will lead the independent Construction Sector Review. The review will:

• Investigate ways to strengthen powers of bodies overseeing construction companies and unions
• Establish clearer processes and protections for whistleblowers
• Examine workplace relations and health and safety practices
• Consider the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority’s ability to remove individuals engaging in misconduct

The review is set to provide an interim report by August 29, 2024, and a final report by November 28, 2024.

In response to the allegations, the government has taken several immediate actions:

• The National Executive of the Australian Labor Party has banned donations from the CFMEU’s construction division and suspended it from the Victorian Labor Party
• The government requested the Commonwealth review and potentially terminate union enterprise bargaining agreements on Victorian construction sites
• Allegations have been referred to Victoria Police and the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) for investigation

Premier Allan expressed her disgust at the allegations, stating, “We will tear this rotten culture out by its roots – making sure our construction industry meets the expectations of the Victorian people.”

The Premier emphasized the importance of unions in keeping workers safe and ensuring proper complaint processes for those coming forward with information about workplace misconduct.

For more details on the review, the government has directed interested parties to visit vic.gov.au/formal-review-construction-companies-and-construction-unions.