Push for royal commission into state’s building agenda amid claims of dodgy contracts

A group of Victorian businesses wants a royal commission into government building jobs amid claims of dodgy contracts, blowouts and jobs for mates.

A group of Victorian businesses dudded on government projects is calling for a royal commission into allegations of dodgy contracts, jobs for mates and blowouts on the state’s building agenda.

The small to medium-size contractors say issues with the sector have become so common they refuse to work on government jobs and an independent inquiry is needed.

Businesses are typically reluctant to speak out for fear of reprisal but many have banded together after the state refused to intervene when they were left millions out of pocket by Western Roads Upgrade.

Among the concerns they say should be probed are the way major contracts are awarded and whether allies of officials and politicians are regularly given work above others.

A group of builders says the way major contracts are awarded and whether allies of officials and politicians are regularly given work above others should be probed.

The state opposition has reiterated its calls for an audit of projects after hearing their concerns.

John Field, director of New Look Civil, said he now avoided government work because of too many bad experiences.

“I’ve been screwed on every government job I’ve ever had,” he said.

“A lot of small business that were contributing to major projects have been slaughtered.

“They’ve left a whole lot of us in a position where we’ve either closed up or scratched through.

“You’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars left unpaid purely because of incompetence and disregard for responsibilities.”

“The government need to take a good hard look and see who are they employing to do what.”

Mr Field said the state should have more due diligence in how it awarded work.

“Who is left to be accountable at the end of the day other than the government?” he said.

“All they’re worried about is covering their ass and worrying about how they look.”

A group of Victorian businesses is calling for a royal commission into allegations of dodgy contracts, jobs for mates and blowouts on the state’s building agenda. Picture: Aaron Francis

Peter Greer, of Westform Vic, said too many projects were blowing taxpayer money.

“This (the Western Roads Upgrade) is the second time that I’ve been out of pocket and owed money from government work,” he said.

“(There should be) An investigation into how they’re run from inception to completion.

“I firmly believe they’re not capable of doing it, everything just blows out of budget.

“Its project after project … Taxpayers in this country are very patient people.

Opposition finance spokesman Ryan Smith said every major project, including those planned but not yet under way, would be audited if the Coalition won the 2022 state election.

“Time and time again this government demonstrates it is completely unable to manage major projects, causing untold grief to those involved and costing the taxpayer millions,” he said.

“Questions need to be asked about why contractors are being awarded tenders for projects they seem to have little expertise in, and why the government is unwilling to pay its bills.”

A government spokeswoman said:

“We make no apologies for delivering the projects that Victorians voted for.

“Industry groups have told us that Victoria’s Big Build is providing vital support to thousands of small businesses across a huge variety of industry area.

“Victorians are very aware that the Liberals would cut back level crossings removals, suburban and regional road upgrades and cancel the Suburban Rall Loop.”