The royal commission investigating corruption and misconduct in Victoria’s major infrastructure projects has begun its public hearings, revealing that Jacinta Allan, the former transport minister, was aware of allegations that construction unions allowed criminals and outlaw motorcycle club members onto government sites as early as 2023. The inquiry, formally known as the royal commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction, has been examining claims of criminal activity and corruption linked to a $150 billion construction program, including projects like the Metro Tunnel and the West Gate Tunnel. The commission will hold public hearings during the November state election campaign, despite having conducted earlier closed sessions to protect sensitive information. During a recent hearing, two confidential reports from public servants in the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority and Department for Transport were submitted. Both were dated June 21, 2023, when Allan was still the transport minister. The first report, which she did not sign, warned of a "highly challenging" industrial relations environment on major transport projects, citing "concerning behaviour" that could delay projects and increase costs. This included the construction union allegedly pressuring contractors to use certain people and companies to avoid disputes, and the possible presence of "criminal elements" such as outlaw motorcycle club members and convicted criminals at worksites. The second report, signed by Allan on June 22, included specific claims that a former Mongols motorcycle club member had been present on a construction site, alongside known members of the Bandidos and "ex-criminals" wearing ankle bracelets. It also mentioned an incident where someone was shot with a bolt gun near a worksite, though no one was injured. Allan reportedly referred the allegations to the then Victoria police commissioner, stating she felt "dutybound" to raise the matter due to its potential seriousness. This information was revealed just before Allan lost the Labor leadership to Ben Carroll. The documents show that Allan was aware of corruption allegations a year before a major media investigation. Counsel assisting the commission, Chris Young KC, said she would have the chance to respond during the inquiry. The commission is examining whether corruption has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, with some estimates suggesting $15 billion in losses. However, these figures are described as rough estimates. One specific example highlighted was an $837 million payment to a construction group, which included $200 million for extra labor that may not have been necessary due to pressure from unions. Commissioner Christopher Kourakis emphasized that the inquiry would not be hindered by the upcoming state election and would pursue all potential wrongdoing. He warned that no one—whether in government, the construction industry, or its periphery—would be spared if found complicit in abuse of power. The commission has already held closed hearings to gather sensitive information and will continue to hold public sessions as much as possible. The first public hearings are expected to conclude by mid-November, with the commission vowing to "leave no stone unturned" in its investigation.