What about the utes and jet-skis?: Construction company donor’s spray
Summary
A construction company donor alleges corruption within Victoria's Big Build program, questioning the lack of scrutiny on other donors linked to gangland figures and political donations.
Why It Matters
This article highlights potential corruption in major infrastructure projects, raising concerns about the integrity of political donations and the influence of organized crime in public contracts. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability in government dealings, especially in large-scale projects funded by taxpayers.
Key Takeaways
- A construction donor claims corruption within the Big Build program.
- Allegations include gifts of vehicles and jet-skis to project managers.
- The Victorian government faces scrutiny over political donations linked to criminal figures.
- Calls for a broader inquiry into the handling of donations and contracts are growing.
- The situation poses a crisis for the current government amid existing pressures.
AdvertisementA Big Build contractor under scrutiny for its ties to gangland figure Mick Gatto and a donation it gave Victoria’s Labor Party has lashed out, claiming the company was merely one of many Big Build firms that bankrolled the government’s election and that focus should be on Big Build corruption.In a message Anthony Ciccone sent to The Age after it was revealed he donated $3264 to the Victorian ALP in 2022, the veteran construction industry figure queried why there had been no reporting about a major Big Build subcontractor that he alleged had gifted expensive utes and jet-skis to project managers on the Suburban Rail Loop.Anthony “Tony” Ciccone, owner of Cycon Civil.Ciccone said the contractor was removed from the rail project “for giving Toyota SR5 utes to general superintendents as gifts”, as well as three jet-skis.The Victorian government has committed about one-third of the about $34.5 billion anticipated total cost towards the Suburban Rail Loop’s first stage. It has secured $2.2 billion from the federal government and is expected to contribute more in the May budget.AdvertisementThe state government plans to fund the final third through parking levies, existing land taxes and developer charges.Ciccone, who owns Cycon Civil and co-owns labour hire firm Project Labour Solutions (PLS), also questioned why other political donors who worked as contractors on Labor’s signature infrastructure scheme had not been identified.Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesd...
