Residents of the Premier’s own electorate were distressed to learn taxpayer funds were used to fund organised crime through state government projects, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.
Ms Broad said the Rotting from the Top report presented to the Queensland Royal Commission into the CFMEU provided evidence that corruption in Victoria led to more than $15 billion of taxpayers’ money being directed to organised crime due to the government’s inaction.
Ms Broad said she had spoken to locals who were very concerned over the report.
“Criminal figures were given top salaries, the use of government cars, ghost shifts, double payments and jobs for mates,” Ms Broad said.
“Supervisors provided drugs to workers and strippers were hired to do shows onsite.”
Ms Broad said there was a need for much greater transparency and accountability on government projects and the use of taxpayer funds.
“The Fair Work Commission has called for an independent inquiry and stated that accountability is needed, and Victorians have a right to know.”
Ms Broad said the scale of the alleged corruption and the potential ongoing risks were massive.
“The Allan Labor government must commit to a full and proper independent investigation and a royal commission to uncover the full scale of this corruption in Victoria and recover the funds.”
For more than a year, Premier Jacinta Allan has known IBAC dismissed her referral because it had insufficient powers to investigate yet did nothing.
It has also been revealed that the Labor Party has been the direct beneficiary of major project misconduct.
“Victorians deserve answers, accountability and immediate action,” Ms Broad said.
