Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:01): My question is to the Premier. When did the director-general of the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority Kevin Devlin first warn the Premier of corruption or misconduct on the Big Build?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:02): As I have said on previous occasions, we have zero tolerance for criminal behaviour, and we have taken action when allegations of illegal and criminal behaviour have been raised.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is required to be direct. The Premier is not being direct and is being evasive in her response.

The SPEAKER: I do not uphold the point of order.

Jacinta ALLAN: We have done this because criminal activity and allegations of criminal activity and unlawful behaviour on worksites are a serious issue. It must face the full force of the law, which is why, as I have said previously, when matters had been raised with me, they were referred to the relevant agencies for action. Further to that –

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, this question specifically asked when, and the Premier has not, on relevance, dealt with that question.

The SPEAKER: I am aware of the question, member for Brighton. It is in front of me. The Premier has an opportunity to come back to the question.

Jacinta ALLAN: Further to that, we have taken further action to give police and the Labour Hire Authority additional powers, and they are taking action through using those powers. People are being charged and licences are being cancelled.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is now defying your ruling.

The SPEAKER: The Premier still has 2 minutes to answer the question.

Jacinta ALLAN: Again, I have gone to these matters specifically in regard to the matter.

Jess Wilson interjected.

Jacinta ALLAN: With all due respect to the Leader of the Opposition, in July of 2024 I went into some detail publicly that demonstrates that matters raised with me, particularly matters that were raised with me in June of 2023, were referred to Victoria Police, when I wrote to the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:04): How many times did Kevin Devlin warn the Premier about corruption or misconduct on the Big Build?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:04): I have addressed these matters throughout. I have addressed these matters repeatedly. When matters were raised with me, they were referred to those relevant agencies for action.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, this is becoming a farce. The Premier is refusing to deal with the substance of the question.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has concluded her answer.