Corrupt Infrastructure: A Deeper Problem Than Just Crooks on Sites

The latest royal commission into Victoria’s Big Build projects marks a welcome step towards addressing corruption in major infrastructure ventures. However, it remains to be seen whether this inquiry will merely scratch the surface or tackle the deeper government failures that have led to massive cost overruns.

Leading anti-corruption campaigners Robert Redlich and Deborah Glass are urging the commission to look beyond bikies and crooks on construction sites and examine the systemic problems that have allowed corruption to fester. These include governments prioritizing vote-winning projects over proper planning, transparency, and accountability.

The problem is not isolated to contractors or union officials who line their pockets at taxpayers’ expense. It’s a system where governments consistently prioritize politics over good governance. Redlich and Glass argue that this “creep of grey corruption” has become endemic in Victoria’s public service.

The Transport Integration Act requires the transport department to produce a comprehensive long-term plan for the state, but this has not been done. The absence of such a plan creates significant risks of missed opportunities and suboptimal investments. This is not just about technicalities; it’s about governance failures.

The West Gate Tunnel project was initially pitched as a $5 billion endeavor with no cost to Victoria, but ultimately ended up costing taxpayers $4 billion more than expected. The North East Link has seen its estimated cost balloon from $10 billion to $26 billion. These are symptoms of a larger problem.

The Kourakis Royal Commission will shine a light on the decision-making processes behind these projects, but it’s also essential to examine the influence of corporate interests and unions on government commitments to major projects. Do government decisions favor those who stand to gain from them? Answering these questions is crucial for transparency and preventing similar failures in the future.

As Victorians watch the royal commission unfold, it’s essential to remember that this is not a partisan issue. It’s about good governance, accountability, and the public interest. Previous governments have struggled with these issues, and the Andrews government has been criticized for its handling of major projects.

The success of this inquiry will depend on its willingness to tackle the deeper problems plaguing Victoria’s infrastructure sector. Will it be content with simply identifying corrupt individuals or take a fundamental look at the system itself? The public deserves nothing less than a thorough examination of how governments have failed to prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The stakes are high, not just for Victoria’s infrastructure sector but also for its people. Corruption is an inevitable outcome of governance failure and lack of transparency. It’s time for the royal commission to shine a light on this deeper problem and ensure it’s addressed once and for all.

The fate of Victoria’s Big Build projects hangs in the balance. Will the Kourakis Royal Commission be a turning point towards real change, or will it merely perpetuate the status quo? The public deserves nothing less than a thorough investigation into the rot that has taken hold of Victoria’s infrastructure sector.