Following the Victorian Premier’s announcement on 28 July 2026 of a royal commission into the construction sector, the Governor of Victoria has released the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Projects in Victoria. The Honourable Christopher Kourakis AC has been appointed as Commissioner and must report his findings and recommendations by 20 August 2027.

The Commission will investigate allegations of systemic corruption, criminality and other serious misconduct in major public and civil infrastructure construction projects commissioned by the State of Victoria.

The terms of reference require the Commissioner to consider:

• the extent and causes of that conduct, and its impacts on project costs, delivery, worker safety, procurement, industrial relations practices, productivity, efficiency and competition; and
• the adequacy of steps taken by head contractors and consortia, subcontractors, labour hire companies, dispute resolution providers and other commercial entities involved in major projects to respond to, or mitigate, the risks of corruption, criminal conduct or serious misconduct.

In addition, the Commissioner may consider measures to recover funds paid by the State in connection with the relevant conduct, and if required, make referrals to law enforcement, IBAC, regulators or other relevant bodies for investigation or prosecution.

While the final report is to be delivered by August 2027, the Commissioner may make interim recommendations, including recommendations for changes to contractual arrangements and terms with entities involved in major public and civil infrastructure projects.

The Commission is likely to attract significant attention across the construction and infrastructure sectors given that royal commissions in Victoria have broad powers to compel the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses to give evidence.

The terms of reference can be accessed here.