Big Build royal commission Gap Road project probe, Digi Mart USA News (Victoria, Australia): The Big Build royal commission is expected to continue calling witnesses today, following what was described as a bombshell day on Tuesday. The identities of the witnesses cannot be published ahead of their appearance.
The commission has made clear that this two-week hearing block will focus solely on the Gap Road level crossing removal project in Sunbury. Specifically, it will examine the events of June 2022, when the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) effectively muscled its way onto the project and into the heart of the $109 billion Big Build program.
Counsel assisting Chris Young KC reminded both those attending in person and those watching that the witnesses were compelled to provide evidence. He told the hearing that all witnesses heard so far had been compelled to attend, and that the evidence they gave had no doubt been difficult.
He said it had been difficult for them to revisit difficult times and events during their working lives. He added that they had no choice about giving the evidence they gave that day.
