Allan govt reveals details of probe into ‘rotten culture’ at CFMEU

The Allan government has released details of its review into Victoria’s construction sector following days of explosive allegations that underworld figures have infiltrated the state’s Big Build sites.

The Allan government has released the details of its review into the “rotten culture” within Victoria’s construction sector following days of explosive allegations against the CFMEU.

The probe, labelled the Independent Construction Sector Review, was first revealed by Premier Jacinta Allan on Monday following claims that bikies and underworld figures had infiltrated the state’s Big Build sites.

The investigation is expected to strengthen the powers of bodies engaged with construction companies and construction unions in response to the alleged criminal or unlawful conduct.

On Saturday, the government revealed that former chair of the TAC and CFA, Greg Wilson, would conduct the review.

Jacinta Allan has been under pressure this week to come clean about why she did not act immediately when she was first warned about the allegations in 2022. Picture: Ian Currie

Mr Wilson previously served as Secretary of the Department of Justice and Regulation and most recently as the Acting Commissioner of the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner.

In a statement on Saturday, Premier Jacinta Allan said the review would recommend changes – including possible amendments to legislation – to “stamp out” criminal and unlawful conduct in Victoria’s construction sector.

“We will tear this rotten culture out by its roots – making sure our construction industry meets the expectations of the Victorian people,” she said.

The Albanese government announced on Wednesday that an independent administrator would be appointed to overhaul the CFMEU. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Ms Allan has been under pressure this week to come clean about why she did not act immediately when she was first warned about the allegations in 2022.

The review will also consider how the government can establish protections for whistleblowers and complainants speaking up about allegations of criminal or unlawful practices within the sector, and will probe the state’s ability to remove individuals engaging in criminal or unlawful practices.

An interim report will be provided to the government by August 2029, and a final report by November 28 this year.

This week the Australian Labor Party banned donations from the CFMEU’s construction division and suspended the division from the Victorian Labor Party.

The Albanese government announced on Wednesday that an independent administrator would be appointed to overhaul the CFMEU.

Ms Allan has also asked Victoria Police and the Commissioner of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) to investigate the allegations against the CFMEU.