Commission hears minister pressured builder on union deal

The Royal Commission into Victoria's Big Build projects heard that a government minister's office decided major contractors would not win public work without complying with CFMEU demands. Evidence shows the union promised John Holland it would be favored for future projects if it aligned with its agenda, an exchange occurring during meetings about lifting stop-work orders on the Sunbury level crossing removal project. The commission was also told of suspicions regarding dozens of safety concerns raised by CFMEU organizers in one week to gain site entry before a June 6 work cessation that cost approximately $6 million extra. John Holland's general superintendent testified he suspected an intelligence-gathering mission rather than valid safety issues, noting continual requests for access during April and May.