Politics · Australia · 15 hrs ago
Victoria taxpayers to cover former premiers’ legal costs at Big Build inquiry
A royal commission has begun examining Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure program, worth more than A$100 billion.
The inquiry is looking into allegations of corruption and criminal influence in the construction industry, including on publicly funded projects.
Premier Ben Carroll confirmed that taxpayers will pay for lawyers representing former premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan.
Neither former premier has been accused of wrongdoing.
The inquiry follows allegations of organised crime links to the CFMEU’s Victorian branch, and an investigator said taxpayers may have lost as much as A$15 billion.
Andrews was reported to be eligible for a pension of up to A$300,000 a year and a private driver, while Allan was expected to receive more than A$250,000 a year.
The commission will continue examining the allegations after Carroll launched it as his first act as party leader.
Victoria taxpayers are paying the legal costs of former premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan as a royal commission examines alleged misconduct in the state’s Big Build program.
Premier Ben Carroll said public funds were being used for their lawyers, as in previous royal commissions.
Neither former premier has been accused of wrongdoing.
The inquiry is examining allegations of corruption and criminal influence in Victoria’s construction industry, including major government-funded infrastructure projects.
The Big Build involved more than $100 billion in roads, rail lines, stations and tunnels.
- Who
- Former Victorian premiers Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan have lawyers whose costs are being covered by taxpayers.
- What
- A royal commission is examining alleged misconduct in the Big Build program, and public funds are covering the former premiers’ legal costs.
- When
- Hearings began on Monday, November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Victoria, Australia.
- Why
- The royal commission is examining allegations of corruption and criminal influence in the state’s construction industry.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Allegations emerged that criminals and bikies operating as CFMEU delegates had been paid while working on taxpayer-funded projects.
The federal government placed parts of the CFMEU into administration.
Carroll launched a royal commission after taking over the party leadership.
Hearings began, and Carroll confirmed that public funds were covering the former premiers’ legal costs.
- Former premiers
- Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan
- Big Build value
- More than $100 billion
- Royal commission
- Hearings began November 9, 2026
- Legal representation
- Andrews had three lawyers present; Allan had separate representation
- State election
- November 28, 2026
What people are saying
as per other previous royal commissions
comfortable with making sure we have a strong, independent, robust royal commission
collapsed into a squalid mess