Interim report reveals 'fear of reprisal' silencing whistleblowers
Employees in Victoria's construction sector have "significant reluctance" to blow the whistle amid fear of reprisal, according to an interim report.
The report, which was commissioned by the Victorian government, was carried out by former Justice Secretary Greg Wilson to investigate how state government bodies interact with the construction companies and unions involved in the government's construction projects.
"The review has heard there is significant reluctance to make complaints from within the industry, both because of fear of reprisal and because people lack confidence that anything will be done," the report read.
"Even if people wish to make a complaint, they are not certain as to who they should make it to."
One person described to the report that they approached 10 entities over two years, including state and federal bodies and major contractors, but were not able to find anyone who could deal with the issue they were raising.
The report was commissioned following a Nine Network investigation that exposed alleged corruption within the Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union, particularly in its Victoria branch.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the government commissioned the report to help "tear a rotten culture out by its roots."
"The government will take the time to consider this interim report and we look forward to receiving the final report by 28 November 2024," Allan said in a statement.
