A royal commission into alleged corruption on Victorian Big Build work sites is to begin under former South Australian chief justice Chris Kourakis, who has been given powers to examine the conduct of politicians, advisers, public servants, unions and construction companies.
Two Victorian barristers, Chris Young KC and Christopher Carr SC, have been appointed as counsel assisting the inquiry. The commission is expected to use its opening hearing to establish the framework for its investigation.
Mr Kourakis served as South Australia’s chief justice from 2012 until retiring from the bench earlier this year. He was previously the state’s solicitor-general between 2003 and 2008.
Mr Young practises in public and commercial law and has appeared in cases involving building and construction projects. Mr Carr, who chairs the Victorian Criminal Bar Association, practises in criminal and administrative law.
No witness list has yet been released. However, the commission’s powers extend into the executive government, meaning it can call politicians and advisers as well as public servants, union leaders and representatives of building firms.
Potential witnesses could include Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews, along with senior advisers who reportedly warned Ms Allan in writing about alleged lawless tactics linked to the CFMEU, cost blowouts and the reported infiltration of organised crime on taxpayer-funded projects.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll announced Mr Kourakis’s appointment last month. The inquiry will examine the allegations surrounding government-funded building sites, with the claims yet to be tested before the royal commission.
