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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondent

Bikies, ‘moral compass malfunctions’ and corruption cost: Victoria’s Big Build royal commission holds first public hearing

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan during a tour of the West Gate Tunnel construction at Footscray, Melbourne, Monday, July 7, 2025.
Former premier Jacinta Allan knew of allegations the CFMEU allowed criminals and bikies on to Big Build projects as early as 2023, documents tendered to the inquiry have shown. Photograph: Con Chronis/AAP

The opening public hearing of the royal commission into Victoria’s Big Build has shown Jacinta Allan knew of allegations the construction union allowed criminals and bikies on to state projects as early as 2023.

It was also revealed that the inquiry – officially named the royal commission into the integrity of major public and civil infrastructure construction projects in Victoria – held “closed” hearings following its launch in August, and plans to hold public hearings during the November state election campaign.

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