CFMEU claims ‘significant influence’ as Royal Commission probes 2022 level‑crossing removal project

A Royal Commission into alleged corruption has opened a block of hearings focused on the 2022 level‑crossing removal project in Victoria. The inquiry is examining how public funds were managed and whether any improper conduct occurred during the project’s planning and delivery.

At the same time, the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has asserted that it enjoys a “significant level of influence” over the Victorian government. The union’s claim has been noted by the commission as part of the broader context surrounding the project.

Commissioners are reviewing documents, affidavits and other evidence to determine if the union’s influence affected decision‑making or contract awards. While the union’s role in the initial planning meetings has been acknowledged, the commission has not yet concluded whether that involvement crossed the line into corruption.

The hearings have drawn public attention, with commentators noting the irony of a project meant to smooth traffic now tangled in a bureaucratic maze. As the commission continues its work, both the CFMEU and the Victorian government face scrutiny over transparency and accountability.

Regardless of the outcome, the 2022 level‑crossing removal project remains a high‑profile example of the challenges inherent in large‑scale infrastructure delivery, especially when unions and government intersect.