This opinion piece by investigative journalist Nick McKenzie criticises Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan over what is portrayed as a delayed and insufficient response to allegations of corruption linked to the state’s $109 billion Big Build infrastructure program.

The article argues that Allan’s recent commitment to expand the powers of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) comes too late, with key reforms not expected to take effect until the end of 2027.

By that time, the author suggests, crucial opportunities to investigate alleged links between bikie gangs, the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), and figures in Melbourne’s underworld may have already been lost.

The piece claims that since concerns emerged in 2024 about organised crime infiltration into Big Build projects, the Victorian government has failed to provide transparency or accountability, including the absence of any meaningful prosecutions or recovery of allegedly misused public funds.

It also highlights uncertainty around the scale of potential corruption, noting disputed estimates and the premier’s refusal to acknowledge a definitive figure.

A central argument in the article is that Victoria Police is structurally limited in addressing certain forms of corruption, particularly non-criminal misconduct, and therefore cannot effectively deal with the full scope of the alleged issues.

The author contrasts the current situation with historical reforms following past police corruption scandals, suggesting that stronger independent oversight bodies are required.

The article further criticises the government for relying on cautious language such as “allegations” rather than acknowledging corruption more directly.

It concludes that despite claims of a zero-tolerance stance, the delayed strengthening of IBAC undermines public confidence and raises questions about political accountability and governance in managing large-scale public infrastructure projects.