Formal Review into Victorian Government Bodies’ Engagement with Construction Companies and Construction Unions

Overview

On 20 July the Premier announced a Formal Review to look into how Victorian Government bodies interact with the construction companies and unions involved in Victorian Government construction projects.

The Review will make recommendations about how the powers of these bodies can be strengthened, so they can better respond to allegations of criminal and other unlawful behaviour.

The Premier has appointed Greg Wilson to investigate, report on, and recommend actions relating to the terms of reference.

Terms of reference

The Review's full terms of reference are available below.

Terms of Reference - Formal review into Victorian Government bodies’ engagement with construction companies and construction unions

PDF 347.94 KB

Interim report

An interim report was delivered to the Premier on Thursday 29 August.

This report was informed by discussions with relevant Victorian Government bodies, and people in the construction sector who spoke to the Review confidentially.

Interim report - Formal Review into Victorian Government Bodies’ Engagement with Construction Companies and Construction Unions

PDF 587.87 KB

The Review process and timelines

Further investigation is underway, and a final report will be delivered to the Premier on 29 November.

How to participate

The interim report has identified key areas of interest that will be explored in more detail in the final report.

Four broad themes have emerged that cut across each of these areas, which the Review plans to focus on to inform the Final Report, including considering:

- Whether there is an opportunity to extend the state’s integrity controls so that allegations of corrupt behaviour in Victorian Government construction projects can be effectively examined by state integrity agencies.
- Practices in relation to the selection of health and safety representatives, right-of-entry permit holders and union delegates on Victorian Government construction projects.
- If there is an opportunity to create a complaints scheme across Victorian Government construction projects that would provide all those working with these projects a single gateway to raise complaints of unlawful behaviour, and that could direct complaints to the appropriate regulator.
- How any complaints scheme could best protect those who make complaints from reprisals.
- If oversight of procurement and contractual requirements can be strengthened, particularly in relation to sub-contractual arrangements.
- Whether information gathered about complaints and other conduct is being shared, and if it could be used to better monitor contractors’ compliance with procurement and contractual policies.
- Whether the network of state and federal bodies is working together effectively in investigating and responding to allegations of criminal or other unlawful conduct on Victorian Government construction sites.
- Opportunities to improve collaboration between regulators, integrity bodies and enforcement agencies and whether more needs to be done to facilitate cooperation and information sharing.

The Review invites both individuals and organisations involved in the sector to share their experiences and recommendations across these key themes via enquiries@rvgbec.vic.gov.au by 27 September.

Who to contact

Enquiries can be directed to our email address: enquiries@rvgbec.vic.gov.au.

Reports of criminal activity should be made to Victoria Police
Reports regarding corruption or misconduct by police or public officials should be directed to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission
Health and safety concerns onsite should be directed to WorkSafe.

Updated 30 August 2024