The widespread corruption plaguing Victoria's building and construction sector must be the subject of a Royal Commission, and police must be empowered to follow the money and seize unexplained wealth linked to criminal activity.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have jointly called for a Royal Commission into the corruption and criminal conduct that has infected the building and construction industry at the hands of the CFMEU.
The peak bodies, representing hundreds of thousands of businesses, have released urgent recommendations to clean up the industry amid growing evidence of entrenched unlawful behaviour, coercion, and intimidation.
ACCI and VCCI calls for:
- A Royal Commission into corruption in the Victorian building and construction sector.
- Enhanced investigative powers for Victoria Police, including “follow the money” and unexplained wealth powers to trace and disrupt criminal financial flows.
- Greater powers for law enforcement agencies, including the ability to compel witnesses and suspects to cooperate with investigations.
- Reinstatement of a strong national watchdog, such as the previous Australian Building and Construction Commission or Fair Work Building & Construction, alongside adoption of a strengthened Victorian Construction Code.
- Strengthening of the ‘Fit and Proper Person’ Test for Right of Entry permits to ensure appropriate standards of conduct in workplaces.
The building and construction sector is fundamental to Victoria’s economic future, from housing delivery to major infrastructure. Confidence in the sector is critical to investment, productivity and growth.
Urgent action is needed to restore and protect this vital industry.
To be attributed to Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Sally Curtain
“Victoria cannot afford to tolerate a system in which criminal behaviour is embedded, costs are inflated and lawful businesses are at a disadvantage. This is not just an industry issue – it is an economic one. It impacts productivity, investment, housing supply and, ultimately, every Victorian.
“The majority of participants in this industry are honest, hardworking businesses and workers. They deserve a system that protects them, not one that enables intimidation, coercion or criminal gain.
“Confidence in this sector has been eroded over time and restoring it requires clear rules, stronger enforcement and the political will to act. We know what the problems are – we have the evidence and inquiries, but the focus must now be on implementation.
“There is no place for crime or corruption in Victoria’s building and construction industry, and there is no excuse for inaction.”
To be attributed to ACCI Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKellar
“The corruption involving the CFMEU has been allowed to fester for far too long.
“This scandal has wasted millions upon millions of taxpayer dollars and fostered a culture of intimidation and coercion across construction sites.
“This is one of Australia’s most important industries, but the malign influence of the CFMEU has left it rotten to the core. Only a serious and transparent process, backed by strong investigative and enforcement powers, can root out this corruption.
“Law enforcement agencies and regulators must be given all the necessary powers and resources required to expose and eliminate corruption, wherever it is.”
VCCI Media contact: Rebecca Chin [email protected], 0423 883 945
ACCI Media contact: Craig Sullivan [email protected], 0417 463 485
