The Premier's first act in office was to call a Royal Commission into misconduct in the major infrastructure construction industry.
Now, the Carroll Labor Government is giving the Royal Commission expanded powers.
It comes as the Inquiries Amendment (Special Prosecutor) Bill 2026 is introduced to Parliament this week.
Delivering a special prosecutor
A Royal Commission does not have the power to charge or prosecute anyone.
That's why a Special Prosecutor will be introduced to ensure wrongdoing uncovered is acted on.
The Bill will establish Victoria's first Office of the Special Prosecutor and also allow them to be equipped with additional powers next year.
The independent Special Prosecutor will be appointed following consultation with the Commissioner.
They will have the power to provide relevant evidence from the Commission to Victoria Police, IBAC, regulatory and licensing authorities and other appropriate state and national bodies.
Additional powers to find the truth
At the moment, a Royal Commission can only require someone to hand over documents or give evidence at a hearing.
This Bill will immediately give all state Royal Commissions stronger powers to require people to provide information or written statements, outside hearings.
The Commission will be able to ask them directly what they know and require them to provide a written answer.
This change means people cannot avoid scrutiny simply because they did not keep physical records of their actions.
Anyone who doesn't comply can face offences.
This work follows the establishment and funding of the new Organised Crime Command within Victoria Police, bringing together specialist investigators and existing taskforces to target organised crime.
As stated by Premier Ben Carroll
"Victorians deserve the truth."
"They deserve to know how organised crime found its way onto building sites, who allowed it to happen, and how we make sure it never happens again."
As stated by Special Minister of State Ingrid Stitt
"These new powers will strengthen all Royal Commissions in this state."
