Australia
Christopher Kourakis to lead Victorian construction royal commission
Former South Australian Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Kourakis will lead a broad inquiry into Victoria's construction sector.
The Victorian Government has announced a royal commission into corruption within the state's construction sector, promising a wide-ranging inquiry where "nothing off limits" will apply to the investigators.
According to reporting by the wire service, the inquiry will be headed by Christopher Kourakis, the former chief justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia. His appointment is intended to bring independent judicial oversight to an industry that has faced persistent allegations of misconduct.
Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed the establishment of the royal commission, stating that the inquiry would have broad powers to investigate unlawful conduct and systemic issues within the building industry. The state government has indicated that all aspects of the sector, including the behaviour of unions, employers, and procurement processes, could be subject to scrutiny.
The decision to launch the commission follows mounting pressure on the state government to address long-standing concerns over governance and lawfulness on major Victorian building sites. While the specific terms of reference are yet to be fully detailed, the Premier emphasised that the commissioner would have the necessary scope to examine any relevant matters that arise.
It remains unconfirmed when the commission will formally begin its public hearings or what the exact timeline will be for delivering its final report to the Governor. Industry groups and trade unions are expected to prepare their responses once the formal parameters of the inquiry are officially gazetted by the government.
Observers will now be watching for the release of the formal terms of reference to see how far the inquiry's powers will stretch.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
Dedicated to a Stronger Victoria.
A message from the editor, August
Every story here is free to read. Only readers keep it that way.
We take no government money, run no paywall, and answer to nobody in Spring Street. That independence is paid for by a small number of readers, not the many who benefit from it. If just one in a hundred of today's readers gave $8 a month, our Victorian politics coverage would be funded for the year.
- Funds reporting, not shareholders
- Cancel in one click, anytime
- Supporter badge and reply access
Prefer a one-off? Send a tip. It takes about twenty seconds.