Premier Jacinta Allan refuses to push for public hearings into CFMEU

Jacinta Allan has dodged questions about whether she would allow a review into “the rotten culture” of Victoria’s construction sector to be broadcast publicly.

Premier Jacinta Allan has refused to push for public hearings to be held into the CFMEU scandal, instead referring the decision to the independent watchdog.

Two days after announcing the details of a review into allegations of criminal and unlawful conduct in Victoria’s construction sector, Ms Allan on Monday dodged a series of questions about whether she would allow the investigation to be broadcast publicly.

The Premier announced the review last week after damning allegations against the CFMEU surfaced, including that bikies and underworld figures had infiltrated Big Build sites.

On Saturday, she then revealed that the probe would be run by former Department of Justice secretary Greg Wilson.

Ms Allan appeared to try and palm off the responsibility of opening the door to the public to Mr Wilson but refused to provide any clarity about whether he would be granted the power to hold public hearings.

Ms Allan could not say how much the review would cost. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“Under the Inquiries Act, there are a range of mechanisms that can be deployed in this instance,” she said.

“Let’s see what Mr Wilson determines the most appropriate course of action.”

Previous inquiries have seen key figures front up publicly, including Victoria’s Covid-19 Hotel Quarantine Inquiry in which former Premier Daniel Andrews was hauled in front of a public hearing.

Ms Allan was also questioned about how much the review would cost.

In a statement on Saturday, she stated that Mr Wilson was authorised to “incur expenses and financial obligations ... to a maximum amount to be approved by the Premier”.

But Ms Allan was unable to provide a dollar figure on Monday, saying Mr Wilson would be “resourced appropriately”.

An interim report will be handed to the government by August 29 following the conclusion of the probe, and a final report will be delivered by November 28.

Ms Allan confirmed that both of the reports would be made public.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto dismissed the probe as a “quick and nasty review” that would inevitably have “no adverse findings against her government”.

“It’s not an independent review,” he said.

“It’s a review that won’t investigate criminality … it’s a review that won’t compel witnesses,” he said.