维多利亚州州长本·卡罗尔宣布成立皇家委员会，调查政府建筑部门的腐败、暴力和不当行为指控 [1]。该委员会将针对规模达1000亿澳元的Big Build项目展开调查 [1]，纳税人据估计已在该项目中损失高达150亿澳元 [1]。卡罗尔表示希望获得"穷尽性"职权范围，确保"没有遗漏任何人" [1]。
反腐界人士对此举表示欢迎。前独立反腐委员会专员罗伯特·雷德利希认为该委员会"早就应该成立" [1]。然而反对党领导人杰丝·威尔逊对委员会的有效性提出质疑，称其为"虚假皇家委员会" [1]，并警告该机构可能受到限制性职权范围的约束，无法深入调查工党人士 [1]。威尔逊同时呼吁前州长杰辛塔·艾伦必须作证 [1]。
Victoria's new Premier Ben Carroll has announced the establishment of a royal commission to investigate allegations of corruption, violence, and misconduct within the government's building department.[1] The inquiry will examine irregularities associated with the Big Build project, a A$100 billion infrastructure initiative.[1] Taxpayers are estimated to have lost up to A$150 billion through the scheme, according to assessments cited in the announcement.[1]
Carroll has indicated his intention to secure "exhaustive" terms of reference that will ensure "no one is left out" of the investigation.[1] However, the opposition has cast doubt on the scope and independence of the inquiry. Opposition leader Jess Wilson has labeled the commission a "fake royal commission," raising concerns that restrictive terms of reference may prevent thorough examination of Labor figures' involvement.[1] Wilson has called for former Premier Jacinta Allen to be compelled to testify.[1] Despite these criticisms, anti-corruption experts have welcomed the decision, with former Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Commissioner Robert Redlich stating the commission was "long overdue."[1]