Minister demands answers from authority following corruption allegations

Tue 14 Jul 2026 at 5:25pm

Tue 14 Jul 2026 at 5:25pm

In short:

Melissa Horne says new allegations about the CFMEU's influence on Victorian construction sites are "alarming" and "extremely serious".

Ms Horne, who serves as health infrastructure minister, has written to the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority about the "alarming allegations".

What's next?

Labor MPs and ministers have become increasingly panicked about the premier's response to the saga, with some privately believing the government must call a royal commission.

Victorian government minister Melissa Horne says new allegations about the CFMEU's influence on state construction sites are "alarming" and "extremely serious", writing to the infrastructure authority to seek assurances they had acted appropriately.

The Age reported on Tuesday that former executive director of the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) Stephen King alleged he was improperly pressured by the government to meet the construction union's demands during the redevelopment of the Eye and Ear Hospital.

He alleged that the authority came under ministerial pressure to remove a subcontractor from the site at the behest of the CFMEU.

Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday told reporters the allegation was false.

"Those reports are wrong. There is no evidence or basis for that claim," Ms Allan said.

"I am advised there was a dispute between the head contractor and the subcontractor. That dispute did not involve the government."

But Ms Horne, who became health infrastructure minister after the hospital was rebuilt, wrote to the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA) about the "alarming allegations".

"These allegations of interference are deeply concerning,"

her letter said.

"I seek your assurance that VIDA Health (as the successor to VHBA) has not directed the removal of any contractors or sub-contractor on health infrastructure projects, except for where legally permitted to do so."

Labor MPs and ministers have become increasingly panicked about the premier's response to the saga, with some privately believing the government must call a royal commission.

Some MPs interpreted Ms Horne's letter as a swipe at Ms Allan's response.

Pressure on Ms Allan's leadership built for months this year. While speculation has cooled, the threat has not entirely subsided.

Ms Horne also sought an update after requesting the authority ban the use of inappropriate "fixers" on health infrastructure projects.

"The Victorian public rightly expects that our health infrastructure projects are free from the influence of impropriety and corruption and, as the minister responsible for the delivery of Victoria's health infrastructure pipeline, my clear expectation is that these projects are delivered to the highest standards of legal compliance, probity and integrity, conduct and ethics."

The ABC contacted Mr King on Tuesday but has not received a response.