In a heated exchange, Premier Jacinta Allan finds herself under fire from a prominent corruption-busting lawyer, Geoffrey Watson, SC. Watson accuses Allan of deliberately misrepresenting his words, specifically regarding his estimate that Labor-enabled misconduct contributed to multibillion-dollar cost blowouts in the government's signature $100 billion Big Build program. This isn't the first time Allan has made such claims, but Watson's correspondence reveals a deeper issue.
Watson's letter to Allan highlights a discrepancy in their statements. Allan has repeatedly claimed that Watson backtracked on his initial estimate of a 15% premium due to CFMEU wrongdoing, stating he was misquoted. However, Watson insists he stood by his inquiry findings, emphasizing the impact of corruption on the Big Build program.
The core of the dispute lies in Watson's landmark report, 'Rotting from the Top,' where he estimated a 15% cost blowout due to CFMEU misconduct. Watson's words in the report were clear and direct, stating, 'From there, the maths is simple... the leadership of the CFMEU has cost the Victorian taxpayer something like $15 billion.'
In a recent parliamentary exchange, Allan echoed the 'misquoted' narrative, stating, 'The person who made that figure, Geoffrey Watson, now says he was misquoted in making that figure.' This line has been repeated by other Labor ministers, but Watson's response is unwavering.
Watson's frustration stems from the government's lack of engagement with his report and the ongoing misrepresentation of his findings. He believes the $15 billion figure is a conservative estimate and that the corruption has led to businesses being included in the Big Build that shouldn't be there. Watson's call for a royal commission into the largest corruption scandal in Victoria's history adds a layer of urgency to the situation.
The premier's office, however, denies any misrepresentation, stating, 'He clearly said it.' Yet, the ongoing dispute raises questions about the government's handling of the corruption scandal and the accuracy of its public statements. As the debate continues, the public awaits a resolution that ensures transparency and accountability in the face of such significant allegations.
