Story · gdelt + guardian + websearch · 25 events
AUSTRALIA appealed INDUSTRY in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
MELBOURNE made statement SCHOOL in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
AUSTRALIA investigated NEWSPAPER in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
OPPOSITION LEADER made statement AUSTRALIA in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
WORKER made statement AUSTRALIA in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
Jacinta Allan admits criminals infiltrated Big Build but rejects calls for royal commission
Jacinta Allan admits criminals infiltrated Big Build but rejects calls for royal commission
<p>Premier apologised over organised crime in some of Victoria’s largest construction projects, in op-ed that claimed a royal commission would not solve the issue</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jul/03/politics-anthony-albanese-labor-angus-taylor-liberal-party-coalition-antisemitism-royal-commission-nsw-victorian-alps-snow-weather-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Jacinta Allan has admitted that criminals have infiltrated some of Victoria’s largest construction projects – but has again rejected growing calls for a royal commission into alleged corruption involving unions and labour hire companies.</p><p>In an opinion piece published <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/i-m-deeply-sorry-for-what-happened-on-b…
PENNY WONG made statement GOVERNMENT in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
MELBOURNE made statement AUSTRALIA in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
OPPOSITION LEADER made statement in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
Victoria's corruption watchdog has been asked to investigate Premier Jacinta Allan.
Victoria's corruption watchdog has been asked to investigate Premier Jacinta Allan.
The under-fire premier is accused of personally intervening to ensure a CFMEU backed consortium was hired to deliver one of the state's Big Build projects.
The complaint, lodged by shadow Attorney- General James Newbury, has asked Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission to investigate Ms Allan and any of her staff involved in the deal when she was transport infrastructure minister in 2022.
"IBAC has the power to look at what the premier and her office may have done in relation to these decisions," Mr Newbury told reporters.
"So we are calling on IBAC to investigate what has the premier been up to, what did her office do, what type of leaning in did she do to push contract decisions with a CFMEU and with the Labor company that saw a blowout in costs, a company which has since been charged with serious financial crimes."
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figur…
There is growing support among Labor MPs for the Victorian government to establish a royal commission into Big Build corruption to take control of an electorally destructive issue and protect the union movement from a future inquiry ordered by their political opponents.
There is growing support among Labor MPs for the Victorian government to establish a royal commission into Big Build corruption to take control of an electorally destructive issue and protect the union movement from a future inquiry ordered by their political opponents.
Labor ministers, backbenchers and candidates from across the party’s factional divide have told this masthead that if this government does notestablish a royal commission, the next one will, with potentially disastrous consequences for Labor’s legacy, the broader union movement and workers in the building trades.
The Labor figures spoke on the condition of anonymity to detail internal deliberations in a week dominated by revelations that the government directed contractorsto pay up $200 million to cover Metro Tunnel cost blowoutscaused by union-backed staffing rules, that Mick Gatto wasstill cashing on the Big Build pipeline, and that police charged with cleaning up the sectorneeded new powers.
“Everyone is sensitive to union concerns about a royal commission being a witch hunt,” one MP said. “If it is a Liberal royal commission, it absolutely will be.”
Another said the choice confronting the party was clear.
“…
AUSTRALIA made statement AUSTRALIA in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
AUSTRALIA appealed INDUSTRY in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
Victorian premier blames ‘inflation not corruption’ for Big Build cost blowouts amid fresh allegations
Victorian premier blames ‘inflation not corruption’ for Big Build cost blowouts amid fresh allegations
<p>Jacinta Allan resists calls for royal commission into state’s infrastructure projects as pressure mounts following new reports</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jun/29/australia-politics-live-vanuatu-nakamal-treaty-pacific-china-anthony-albanese-jotham-napat-one-nation-coalition-pauline-hanson-angus-taylor-royal-commission-antisemitism-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Jacinta Allan has resisted growing calls for a royal commission into alleged corruption on Victoria’s $100bn Big Build, declaring “inflationary pressures on projects is not corruption”.</p><p>It comes after an investigation by <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/don-t-pay-gatto-don-t-get-access-leaks-expose-companies-with-gangland-figure-o…
AUSTRALIA investigated NEWSPAPER in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
Big Build corruption: Jacinta Allan under pressure as leaks show ...
Big Build corruption: Jacinta Allan under pressure as leaks show ...
Complaints of rampant rorting, intimidation and kickbacks on major Victorian government projects have been lodged with officials for years, undermining Labor’s claims it was blindsided by the scandal in the construction industry and prompting the state’s former integrity chief to back a wide-ranging inquiry.
Leaked correspondence for the first time shows that government officials were repeatedly warned of corruption within the massive Big Build program of road and rail infrastructure from early 2023 until as recently as June this year. The correspondence has been uncovered by a joint investigation byThe Australian Financial Review,The AgeandThe Sydney Morning Herald.
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Allan Government Under Fire as Explosive Big Build Allegations ...
Allan Government Under Fire as Explosive Big Build Allegations ...
Melbourne
February 22, 2026
Updated:
February 22, 2026
Allan Government Under Fire as Explosive Big Build Allegations Intensify
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan faces renewed heat after explosive construction corruption claims reignited scrutiny of Big Build spending and oversight. The clash centres on integrity lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC’s estimate that alleged CFMEU-linked corruption may have added up to $15 billion to taxpayer-funded infrastructure costs over two decades.
By
Matthew Giannelis
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VICTORIA’S $15 BILLION CORRUPTION BOMBSHELL PUTS ALLAN GOVERNMENT IN CRISIS AHEAD OF STATE ELECTION
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing renewed political heat after explosive claims about corruption on major construction sites reignited debate over the state’s Big Build spending and the government’s oversight of the building industry.
A damning report has alleged that organised crime hollowed out Victoria’s flagship infrastructure program for more than a decade — and that the government knew and did nothing. With an election looming and a state drowning in debt, Jacinta Allan is fight…
Big Build under fresh royal commission pressure
Big Build under fresh royal commission pressure
News
Big Build under fresh royal commission pressure
by
Amelia Hartley
on
29 June 2026
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min.
Integrity figures join calls for scrutiny of Victoria’s $109 billion
Premier Jacinta Allan is facing renewed scrutiny over Victoria’s Big Build after fresh media reports and senior integrity figures intensified demands for a royal commission.
Victoria’s infrastructure agenda
covers about
$109 billion in projects across the state. For almost 10 years, Allan held the relevant ministerial responsibility before she became Premier in September 2023.
Former IBAC chief Robert Redlich and former Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass have now joined forces on the issue. They want an urgent
royal commission
into the programme and have described the matter as an “unprecedented historic scandal” linked to a decade of poor culture.
Both figures add political weight to the demand because they served in roles under Labor appointments. After reports by The Age and 60 Minutes, the Victorian Opposition also backed a royal commission and increased pressure on the Allan government.
Family First’s Jane Foreman also urged…
AUSTRALIA demanded INDUSTRY in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
But Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson's "Rotting from the Top" …
AUSTRALIA demanded INDUSTRY in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
Unattributed party coerced WRONGDOER in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corruption allegations continue to plague Victoria's government, prompting urgent calls for a royal commission into criminal networks embedded within the construction industry.
But Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called in the past week for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the government's $109 billion Big Build program.
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
Investigations indicate extortion, violence and billions of dollars in bribery-inflated project costs, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism and payments to underworld figures such as Mick Gatto.
Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was desperately needed in order to properly investigate the past decade of "rotten culture" within the industry.
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering and organised crime within Victoria's construction sector.
Ms …
Corroboration
No verdict, no pronouncement. The model extracts atomic factual claims with verbatim quotes; every quote is validated against the source text and corroboration is computed by counting how many editorially-opposed blocs assert each fact. 9 fabricated/unverifiable quotes were rejected by the cite-or-die gate.
The spine · 0 facts corroborated across ≥2 opposed blocs
No fact in this cluster crossed two opposed editorial blocs. The facts below are reported, but not (yet) independently corroborated across the divide.
Contested · 1 — sources conflict; shown, not resolved
⚔ The claim that corruption caused $15 billion in inflated costs (supported by multiple sources) is directly contradicted by Allan’s assertion that inflation—not corruption—explains cost blowouts.
A other The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
B western Jacinta Allan has resisted growing calls for a royal commission into alleged corruption on Victoria’s $100bn Big Build, declaring 'inflationary pressures on projects is not corruption'.
Single-source · 14 — reported by one bloc only (uncorroborated)
Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.
gdelt
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says a royal commission would cost too much money and take too long to make any difference.
gdelt
Anti-corruption experts Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass have called for an urgent royal commission into corruption within the Victorian government's $109 billion Big Build program.
gdelt
The Big Build corruption scandal involves allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.
gdelt
Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.
gdelt
Robert Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was 'desperately needed' in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.
gdelt
The Australian Federal Police is probing corruption, money laundering, and organis
gdelt
Jacinta Allan has resisted growing calls for a royal commission into alleged corruption on Victoria’s $100bn Big Build, declaring 'inflationary pressures on projects is not corruption'.
guardian
A person wearing a cardboard box on their head stole about $40,000 of construction equipment from a Bonshaw building site in August 2025.
thecourier.com.au
The offender was captured on CCTV entering a Cherry Flat Road housing development site about 4.45am on August 13, 2025, and used a saw and bolt cutters to cut through fencing before stealing equipment, including copper wiring and a wheelbarrow.
thecourier.com.au
Police believe the incident was linked to a theft from another construction site further down the road, where a break-in was reported between midnight and 6am on the same morning.
thecourier.com.au
Corruption is estimated to cost the world 5 per cent of global GDP, approximately 2.6 trillion.
intechopen.com
Thai authorities allege Simon Carman picked up Tunchanok Donhomla from Pattaya’s Beach Road red-light district in the early hours of Thursday morning.
internewscast.com
Police found blood on the floor of the hotel room where Tunchanok Donhomla was last seen.
internewscast.com
Framing · 9 — loaded language surfaced (spin shown, not adopted)
gdelt
“Pressure is mounting on a state government to call a royal commission into the construction industry and its criminal links.”
→ Pressure is mounting for a royal commission into the construction industry and criminal links.
gdelt
“The Big Build corruption scandal involve allegations that organised crime figures and bikie gangs have infiltrated Victoria's major infrastructure projects through the CFMEU construction union.”
→ The Big Build program is alleged to have been infiltrated by organised crime through the CFMEU.
gdelt
“Investigations indicate extortion, violence, and bribery-inflated project costs by $15 billion, with funds allegedly siphoned into ghost shifts, nepotism, and payments to underworld figures like Mick Gatto.”
→ Investigations indicate that project costs were inflated by $15 billion due to alleged criminal activity.
gdelt
“Mr Redlich told The Age newspaper a royal commission was "desperately needed" in order to properly investigate the past decade of culture within the industry.”
→ Robert Redlich stated a royal commission is needed to investigate industry culture.
guardian
“Jacinta Allan has resisted growing calls for a royal commission into alleged corruption on Victoria’s $100bn Big Build, declaring “inflationary pressures on projects is not corruption”.”
→ Jacinta Allan attributes cost increases to inflation, not corruption.
werribeenews.com.au
“Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing renewed political heat after explosive claims about corruption on major construction sites reignited debate over the state’s Big Build spending and the government’s oversight of the building industry.”
→ Jacinta Allan is under political pressure due to corruption claims about the Big Build.
thecourier.com.au
“A person wearing a cardboard box on their head stole about $40,000 of construction equipment from a Bonshaw building site in August 2025.”
→ A person wearing a cardboard box stole $40,000 in construction equipment in August 2025.
intechopen.com
“Corruption is a difficult concept to define and address as it encompasses various behaviours, which often sit outside the criminal law. These are an insidious form of behaviour as they erode trust and integrity in government institutions, such as democratic values, the rule of law, and the economic efficiency and stability of governments.”
→ Corruption erodes trust in government institutions and is difficult to define and measure.
internewscast.com
“An Australian man has been taken into custody in connection with the alleged murder of a teenage girl in Thailand, after authorities reportedly discovered her naked body concealed inside a suitcase.”
→ An Australian man from Ballarat was taken into custody in connection with the alleged murder of a Thai teenager.
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