Victoria's Attorney General, Sonya Kilkenny, has slammed the integrity expert, Geoffrey Watson SC, for his claim that corruption within the Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) has cost Victorian taxpayers a staggering $15 billion. This figure, according to the redacted chapters of Watson's 'Rotting from the Top' report, is based on the opinions of 'highly qualified stakeholders' and was presented during a Queensland inquiry into the union. Watson, a barrister and director of the Centre for Public Integrity, described the estimate as 'very rough' but 'not unreasonable' given the potential cost blowouts linked to CFMEU conduct, which industry sources estimated at 10-30%.
The report's impact is significant, especially considering Victoria's Big Build public infrastructure program, which is valued at around $100 billion. Watson's calculations suggest that the CFMEU's leadership has led to a $15 billion loss for Victorian taxpayers, with a significant portion of this amount potentially going into the hands of criminals and organized crime gangs. In another concerning revelation, Watson alleged that the Victorian government was aware of the corruption and had a duty to address it, but chose to do nothing.
However, the Victorian government has strongly criticized Watson's claims. Attorney General Kilkenny described the $15 billion figure as 'reckless' and emphasized the importance of evidence in legal matters. She stated that the line between fact and allegation has been blurred and that the government is taking the matter seriously. The state police minister, Anthony Carbines, also weighed in, accusing Watson of providing 'florid ramblings' rather than concrete evidence. Carbines suggested that if Watson had evidence, he should share it with the Victoria Police.
Watson, in response, expressed frustration at the government's personal attacks, stating that he has refrained from public commentary on the report. He believes the ministers' interventions were inappropriate and crossed a line. The shadow attorney general, James Newbury, supported Watson, calling for the ministers' removal from their positions, suggesting that the Victorian government's response to the corruption allegations is indicative of deeper issues within the state.
