Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has repeatedly refused to disclose how much corruption within the CFMEU has cost taxpayers, despite estimates placing the figure at $15 billion. An investigation by Geoffrey Watson SC in February found that criminal activity inside the construction union had cost taxpayers in Victoria an estimated $15 billion. Ms Allan has disputed this finding, calling it untested, and has resisted calls for a royal commission into the state government's 'Big Build' infrastructure program.
In a recent interview, Ms Allan stated that the $15 billion figure was 'in dispute' and suggested Mr Watson had been misquoted. However, when pressed to provide an alternative figure, she declined to do so, saying, 'The work is being done now to go after this criminal behaviour but also to change the culture.' She noted that police have been granted additional powers to investigate alleged criminal activity by bikie groups within the CFMEU.
Ms Allan has agreed to introduce 'follow-the-money' powers for the state's corruption watchdog to trace taxpayers' funds through private subcontractors and labour-hire companies. This scandal has eroded voter support for Labor, with a state election less than six months away. The Coalition has vowed to hold a royal commission into corruption on 'Big Build' construction sites, a move supported by Mr Watson and some Labor MPs.
Amid poor polling, speculation about Ms Allan's leadership has emerged, though Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has ruled out a challenge. Ms Allan dismissed leadership concerns, stating that Labor is 'united' in its purpose and focused on fighting for working people. She warned that a Coalition government would bring chaos, as the Liberal Party and One Nation would need each other to govern.
