Victorian Inquiry Criticises Delays in Evidence as Government Agencies Face Scrutiny

During hearings, counsel assisting Mr Young told the inquiry that steps were being taken to secure evidence, including text messages believed to be relevant to the investigation. He indicated that while the messages had not yet been tendered as evidence, they would be submitted at a later stage.

The inquiry heard that some of the messages involved Matt Toner, a former adviser to then-Premier Daniel Andrews, and Matthew Phelan, chief of staff to the director-general of the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA), Corey Hannett.

Mr Young told the commission that Toner left his advisory role in 2024 and later appeared in notes from a meeting involving the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU). According to evidence presented, former Victorian CFMEU secretary John Setka reportedly described Toner as “a good asset to the union” during that meeting.

The commission also examined documents connected to the Sunbury level crossing project, including a notebook belonging to government executive Evan Tattersall. The inquiry heard that the notebook was initially provided by VIDA with all pages heavily redacted.

However, Mr Young said a significantly less-redacted version was submitted on the same day as the hearing after the agency was compelled to provide additional information. He also alleged that other documents requested by the commission had not been submitted by VIDA.

Expressing dissatisfaction, Mr Young said it was disappointing that, despite public commitments from Victorian Premier Ben Carroll regarding cooperation with the commission, some state entities and officials appeared willing to engage only when legally required to do so.

He argued that the inquiry expected greater transparency and timely cooperation from government agencies and current and former public officials.

Commissioner Chris Kourakis also raised concerns about the delayed disclosure of information, stating that the late provision of documents by government individuals and agencies had disrupted the orderly progress of the investigation.

The inquiry continues as investigators seek to gather further evidence and examine the handling of key infrastructure projects and associated decision-making processes.