The Business Council says the terms of reference released today for the Royal Commission in Victoria are an important step towards stamping out union corruption and unlawful conduct in Victoria’s construction sector.
Business Council Chief Executive Bran Black said the Royal Commission must get to the bottom of the union misconduct and ensure it cannot happen again, given it is estimated to have cost taxpayers $15 billion.
“Every dollar that was wasted on this bungle is a dollar that couldn’t go to hospitals, schools and roads for Victorians. This Royal Commission must get to the bottom of it,” Mr Black said.
“These are broad and credible terms of reference that give the Royal Commission the ability to follow the evidence and taxpayer money wherever it leads. Victorians deserve answers and to see any criminal conduct properly pursued.”
“The Royal Commission and Special Prosecutor are important steps, and we will support measures that restore integrity and transparency to Victoria’s construction sector. But this needs to be accompanied by broader action to address Victoria’s economic challenges,” Mr Black said.
ABS Labour Force figures released today show Victoria’s unemployment rate continues to be the highest in the nation at 5.1 per cent.
“Victoria has now had the highest unemployment rate in the nation for 18 of the last 24 months. This is a persistent problem, and the new Premier must make economic growth and jobs an immediate priority,” Mr Black said.
“Despite this, the Government is trying to press ahead with Jacinta Allan’s work from home Bill which would be disastrous for an already weak economy.”
“A Royal Commission alone will not turn Victoria’s economy. The work from home Bill was never needed, and the new Premier should demonstrate his willingness to work with business and not proceed with the Bill.”
The Business Council’s Regulation Rumble has ranked Victoria last for two consecutive years, with the least competitive property tax system in the country, the incomes of Victorians sitting 10 per cent below the national average, and the worst net debt position as a share of the economy of all states and territories.
“Today’s data makes clear Victoria needs genuine economic reform. The Royal Commission is a start, but scrapping the work from home Bill must be next,” Mr Black said.