Minister publicly challenges premier's stance on CFMEU allegations
Victorian Health Infrastructure Minister Melissa Horne has publicly broken ranks with Premier Jacinta Allan over allegations of improper government interference involving the CFMEU on a hospital project. Horne described the allegations as 'alarming' and has written to the head of the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (Vida) seeking assurances that no wrongdoing occurred. This marks a significant fracture within the Allan government less than five months before the state election in November.
Premier dismisses report as baseless
On Tuesday morning, Premier Jacinta Allan told reporters that a report in the Nine newspapers alleging the government pressured public servants to dismiss a plastering contractor from a hospital project due to CFMEU disapproval had 'no basis'. 'Those reports are wrong, and there is no evidence or basis for that claim,' Allan said, citing advice she had received. However, hours later, Horne posted a letter on Facebook responding to the 'alarming' allegations, directly contradicting the premier's dismissal.
Horne demands assurances from infrastructure authority
In her letter to Vida, Horne wrote: 'These allegations of interference are deeply concerning and neither I, nor my office, have had any contact with the CFMEU whilst I have been the minister responsible for health infrastructure.' She noted that the project was completed before her appointment and sought assurance that Vida Health had not directed the removal of any contractors except where legally permitted. Horne also requested advice on further steps to strengthen oversight of subcontractors, including additional checks prior to appointments.
Background of the allegations
The Nine newspaper report quoted former Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) executive director Stephen King, who alleged he was pressured to sack a plastering contractor for the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear hospital, completed in 2024. The contractor was reportedly in a dispute with the CFMEU at the time. Allan stated that there was a dispute between the head contractor and subcontractor, mediated and resulting in them 'parting ways', but insisted the government was not involved.
Government resists calls for royal commission
Premier Allan continues to resist pressure to call a royal commission into corruption on government building projects, arguing it is not the most effective way to create cultural change. Meanwhile, leaders of a police taskforce established to tackle corruption on the Big Build have told Nine Newspapers they lack the power to effectively investigate many allegations, as some alleged wrongdoing is not a crime. They also face difficulty finding witnesses due to fears of retaliation.
