"The announcement of a Royal Commission into criminality and corruption in Victoria's construction industry is welcome but has come years after it was clearly required. This is a positive step led by Premier Ben Carroll – it is a pity it has taken so long," said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, Australian Industry Group.
"The commission's hearings and findings will have national implications, as does Queensland's ongoing commission of investigation inquiry into criminal activities in that jurisdiction.
"The conduct of a Royal Commission can in no way be used as a rationale to slow down efforts by the administration of the CFMEU to purge that union of elements who have engaged in, promoted or turned a blind eye to criminal and corrupt conduct on Victoria's major infrastructure projects.
"These projects have largely been jointly funded by federal governments and the commission's findings will undoubtedly have significant implications for how taxpayer money is allocated and supervised on building sites nationally.
"The appointment of a commissioner from outside Victoria is welcome. The commissioner will bring an external perspective to what has clearly been a continued misuse of public money over a prolonged period. Some of the evidence of wrongdoing that has emerged in recent years is sickening. It is clear from the industry that what has so far emerged publicly is only the tip of the iceberg.
"That ministers and their advisors will face questioning about their conduct and oversight is also welcome. Clearly the roles of former premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan will and should come under scrutiny.
"Constructors report they are concerned that the type of conduct to be investigated is ongoing, despite the appointment and actions of an administrator to the CFMEU. The administrator and regulators must continue their focus on cleaning up corrupt and criminal behaviour on Victorian infrastructure sites.
"The Victorian Opposition, should it be elected in November, may choose to alter the inquiry's terms of reference and focus. That would be for them to decide and justify," Mr Willox said.
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