Major contractor feared CFMEU's influence over Victoria's Big Build, royal commission hears

Summary

A corruption royal commission into Victoria's Big Build infrastructure projects has heard that a major contractor was wary of the 'unprecedented access' the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) had to Andrews government ministers. The contractor reportedly feared putting the union offside because of its close links to the Daniel Andrews Labor government. The first block of hearings under the commission, into the integrity of major public and civil infrastructure construction projects, is examining the union's involvement in a 2022 level crossing removal project at Gap Road in Sunbury, north of Melbourne.

Timeline

1. ABC

   8 Nov 2026, 23:17 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that a major contractor in Victoria's Big Build was wary of the 'unprecedented access' the CFMEU had to Andrews government ministers, as aired at the royal commission hearing, in its live election blog.

2. The Guardian

   9 Nov 2026, 04:34 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that a major construction company feared putting the CFMEU offside because of its close links to the Andrews Labor government, and that the first block of royal commission hearings will examine the union's involvement in the 2022 Gap Road, Sunbury level crossing removal project.