Royal commission into Victorian construction sector could boost Labor’s chances at state election, expert says

Commission promised by new premier would be an ‘important signal’ for voters that the government was acting on alleged corruption

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Victorian voters heading to the polls will probably get a taste of the evidence heard by a royal commission – including how taxpayer funds were used on Big Build projects – but it could actually help Labor’s standing, an integrity expert says.

William Partlett, an associate professor of law and a fellow at the Centre for Public Integrity, said the commission promised by the new premier, Ben Carroll, would be an “important signal” for voters that the government was taking action.