A recent report, “Rotting From The Top”, authored by Geoffrey Watson SC, as part of the Queensland Government’s Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU, has laid bare serious allegations of misconduct within the Victorian Branch of the CFMEU, including links to organised crime networks.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, speaking on the floor of Parliament this week, has called out Premier Jacinta Allan and Labor for wasting at least $15 billion of hard-earned Victorian taxpayers’ money on government Big Build sites.
“This is the biggest rort that this state has ever seen.
“It is shameful and this misconduct must be investigated with a Royal Commission,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe argued that Victorian taxpayers deserve answers as to why the Premier and the Labor Government turned a “blind eye” on crime and corruption on government work sites.
“You would not get away with this level of corruption at any other workplace, and the Premier accountability and support calls for a Royal Commission to be established.
“The Premier would do so if she and her government had nothing to hide from Victorians.
“$15 billion could have built 30,000 new homes in the midst of a housing crisis.
“Just last week I was told of a woman sleeping in her car with two children, and we have one of the highest rates of homelessness in the state.
“Whilst this government blows billions on this disgusting rort, there are people sleeping rough on the streets. Shame on the Premier and her government.”
Ms O’Keeffe emphasised that the estimated $15 billion wasted on government work sites and through the Big Build should have gone towards the completion of Goulburn Valley Health’s Redevelopment.
“We currently have a hospital that is only 50 per cent funded and completed.
“This money could have also gone towards our crumbling and unsafe roads, health services, more police officers, more teachers and much needed infrastructure and vital community services.
“For a decade, major project corruption has flourished under Jacinta Allan and Labor, every Victorian is paying the price.
“Only a Nationals and Liberal Government will get to the bottom of the biggest corruption scandal in the state’s history by establishing a Royal Commission.”
Photo Caption: The Nationals Member for Shepparton, Kim O’Keeffe, pictured on the front steps of Parliament
