Traders say it is a “devastating irony” the State Government would rather let billions allegedly flow to bikies and organised crime, than compensate businesses hit by prolonged roadworks.
For more than a year, Big Build projects have blocked road access and disrupted trade across Pakenham, Clyde and Berwick.
Businesses say they have been left struggling, with customers lost, staff cut, and some forced to take on extra jobs like mowing lawns just to cover bills and feed families.
Despite launching a united petition last month demanding financial relief, which was subsequently raised in Parliament – traders have received “little to no meaningful support.”
The bombshell came with the release of Rotting from the Top, a report into the CFMEU by barrister Geoffrey Watson, which alleged $15 billion in taxpayers money was “poured into hands of criminals and organised crime gangs” working on Big Build projects.
One local business owner (requested anonymity) said the findings confirmed their worst fears.
“Now we know the real reason why the Big Build projects in Pakenham take so long,” he said.
“Strippers, drugs, organised crime — bikies, thugs, crooks. Turns out I was right.
“I’m going to get legal advice and start a class action.”
Some small businesses said it was already a “slap in the face” when Big Builds teams handed out $20 tokens “in the name of compensation”.
Learning that bikies are allegedly prioritised over struggling businesses adds “deep insult”, they said.
Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath said the government has a “duty to support” the people forced to carry its cost. Instead, it has “left them to fend for themselves”.
She described the latest allegations as “extremely serious” and warned this is not the first time Victorians have seen corruption tied to major projects, recalling the bribery and parties linked to the desalination project in 2014.
“On average, every Victorian household has ‘donated’ $5,000 to bikies and corrupt unions,” Ms Heath said.
“Unbelievably, Jacinta Allan was aware of complaints for years, but merely forwarded complaints to a ‘relevant agency’.
“It’s hard to imagine a more clear demonstration of disdain than refusing to take action for a decade.
“It is especially unacceptable when local businesses, already suffering devastating losses due to prolonged roadworks, have received no meaningful financial support.”
Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has pledged to push for a Royal Commission into alleged CFMEU corruption, if elected.
“After days of deflection and denial by Premier Allan, Victorians still don’t have the straight answers they deserve,” Ms Wilson said.
“Only a Royal Commission will get to the bottom of this shameful saga, identify how much taxpayer money has been rorted and ensure corruption on this scale is never allowed to occur again.”
Premier Jacinta Allan has rejected the $15 billion figure, saying claims that public money flowed to criminals are “not well tested or properly founded”.
She confirmed the allegations were referred to relevant authorities and said her government has “zero tolerance” for this alleged behaviour.
Big Build Roads told the Gazette that their teams are working “closely” with individual businesses to “tailor support options” during major construction of the road upgrade, which will be completed by-mid 2026 – nine months “ahead of schedule”.
“Our project team regularly provides local businesses and residents with up-to-date information about current and planned works,” the spokesperson said.
“We thank residents and the business community for their continued patience as we get on delivering this important project.”
