On 20 August 2026, the Governor of Victoria, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, established the Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects in Victoria, on the advice of the Premier.

What the Royal Commission Will Investigate

The Commission's terms of reference are wide-ranging. In broad terms, it will examine:

  • the extent of corruption and criminal activity on major construction projects in Victoria, including the involvement of the CFMEU's Construction & General Division;
  • the adequacy of government and Delivery Authority oversight and governance of those projects;
  • the causes, contributing factors and preconditions that have enabled misconduct to occur;
  • the roles and responsibilities of executive government, and the effect of policy, industry practice and legislative settings on the prevalence of misconduct;
  • the impact of misconduct on project costs, delivery, worker safety and procurement, and how contracting entities have responded to risks and allegations;
  • the effectiveness of recommendations from previous inquiries, and what preventative measures and fund-recovery mechanisms should now be put in place; and
  • major construction projects in the private sector, excluding residential construction.

How It Was Established, and Who Is Running It

The Commission was established under section 5 of the Inquiries Act 2014 (Vic), by Victorian Letters Patent dated 20 August 2026. The sole Commissioner is the Honourable Christopher Kourakis AC.

The Commission has been authorised to spend up to $50 million from the Consolidated Fund. Its final report is due by 20 August 2027, although that date may be extended by agreement with the Premier, and the Commissioner may deliver an interim report earlier if that is appropriate to deal with urgent matters.

Referral Powers — Police, IBAC and a Special Prosecutor

As with other inquiries under the Inquiries Act 2014, the Commissioner has coercive powers to require the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses, and can hold both public and private hearings.

What stands out about this particular Commission is the breadth of its referral pathways. The Commissioner may refer matters not only to Victoria Police and IBAC, but to a specifically designated Special Prosecutor established for this purpose.

Taken together, this is a coordinated, multi-agency response to the construction sector, not an isolated inquiry. Evidence given to the Commission may move quickly into an active police investigation or prosecution.

What This Means in Practice

The Commission has indicated that further information about its operations — including hearings and witnesses — will be provided once its team is established, and no hearing dates have yet been set.

In the meantime, if you work for, contract with, or otherwise have dealings with a major Victorian construction project, a Delivery Authority, or a construction company that may fall within the Commission's scope, it is worth turning your mind now to what records you hold and what your position might be if you are contacted.

If you or your business is contacted by the Commission, Victoria Police, IBAC, or the Special Prosecutor in connection with this inquiry, contact Angus Cameron and Partners for advice before you respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this Royal Commission investigating?

Corruption, criminal conduct and serious misconduct connected with major public and civil infrastructure construction projects in Victoria, including the involvement of the CFMEU's Construction & General Division, and equivalent conduct on major private sector projects (excluding residential construction).

Who is the Commissioner?

The Honourable Christopher Kourakis AC has been appointed as the sole Commissioner.

When will the Commission report?

Its final report is due by 20 August 2027, a year after it was established, although that date can be extended by agreement with the Premier. An interim report may be delivered earlier if the Commissioner considers that necessary to deal with urgent matters.

Can the Commission refer evidence to police or a prosecutor?

Yes. The Commissioner can refer matters to Victoria Police, IBAC, other regulatory authorities, and a Special Prosecutor established specifically in connection with this Commission.

Do I have to comply if I am contacted or summonsed by the Commission?

Generally, yes — the Commission has coercive powers under the Inquiries Act 2014 to compel witnesses to attend and to require the production of documents. If you are contacted, you should get legal advice on your position before responding.

What if I work for a construction company or a Delivery Authority named in the terms of reference?

You may be asked to give evidence or produce documents even if you have no personal involvement in any wrongdoing. It is worth getting advice early, including on what records you should preserve, rather than waiting until you are formally contacted.

Does this affect residential construction?

No — the terms of reference expressly exclude residential construction from the private sector projects within scope.

Related Guides

You may also find the following guides useful: