WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026
FOWLES CALL FOR ROYAL COMMISSION
2M, 3M, 4M BIN HIRE
0418 101 004
● Will Fowles, Ringwood MLA
■ Ringwood MLA Will Fowles has called on Premier Jacinta Allan to initiate a Royal Commission to test corruption allegations surrounding the CFMEU. “The action I seek is for the Government to establish a Royal Commission into allegations of systemic corruption on CFMEU-controlled worksites associated with Victoria’s Big Build,” Mr Fowles said. “The recently released Watson Report details very serious allegations of criminal infiltration, coercion and misconduct within the Victorian construction sector. “That much is undisputed; the allegations are there. It outlines claims of outlaw motorcycle gangs exerting influence on major projects, enterprise bargaining processes being manipulated and labour hire arrangements being used to extract unlawful payments. “It further documents allegations of ghost shifts, the sale of positions on worksites and intimidation of contractors. “I do not know whether those allegations are true or not. We are not investigators in this place. But the only way to determine the truth of them, given the scale and the breadth and the seriousness of these allegations and given that the people making the allegations are credible actors, is to call a Royal Commission. “More than a hundred billion dollars of course was committed to the Big Build, and Victorians are entitled to confidence that this investment has not been distorted by criminality, extortion or systemic misconduct,” Mr Fowles said.
MP’S QUESTIONS ON FREEWAY RESERVE BIODIVERSITY FOCUS ■ Glen Waverley MLA John Mullahy has asked questions in State Parliament about the Healesville Freeway Reserve. “What progress has been made on the Ngarrak Nakorang Wilam Park project in the Glen Waverley district? “Formerly known as the Healesville Freeway Reserve, this transformative project is creating a significant new green space linking Forest Hill, Vermont and Vermont South and connecting up with the Dandenong Creek Trail. “Covering 35 hectares – around 18 MCGs – it represents a major investment in community wellbeing by the Allan Labor government. “With shareduse paths, play areas, barbecue facilities and picnic spaces, the park will provide families, walkers, cyclists and young people with a place to gather, exercise and reconnect with nature. “It will also recognise Indigenous history and embed cultural significance within the landscape. “Equally important is the focus on protecting and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring native flora and fauna can thrive for generations. “This will be a lasting community asset for the Glen Waverley district, and I look forward to the minister’s response,” Mr Mullahy said.
● John Mullahy MLA