The Victorian government maintains that the most effective way to address criminal influence in the construction industry is through direct, actionable intervention rather than the lengthy and costly process of a royal commission. Premier Jacinta Allan has argued that previous royal commissions into trade unions have historically yielded few criminal convictions while consuming significant public resources. Instead, the government is focusing on empowering existing law enforcement bodies, such as the Victoria Police and the Labour Hire Authority, to conduct targeted investigations and crack down on specific wrongdoers.
Supporters of this approach point to the establishment of Taskforce Hawk, a specialized police unit dedicated to tackling criminal behaviour on construction sites. By working through established legal channels, the government aims to secure actual prosecutions and dismantle criminal networks rather than producing another report that may not result in systemic change. This strategy prioritizes the continuation of critical infrastructure projects that provide essential services to the community, ensuring that the state's development is not unnecessarily stalled by years of inquiry.
Furthermore, the government emphasizes that the vast majority of workers on Big Build projects are decent, hardworking individuals who should not be tarnished by the actions of a criminal minority. By focusing on specific allegations and referring them to the appropriate integrity bodies, the government seeks to isolate the corruption without dismantling the entire industry. This measured response is intended to protect the integrity of taxpayer-funded projects while ensuring that those responsible for intimidation and illegal activities are held accountable through the criminal justice system.