Big Build inquiry told Vida failed to hand over documents
On 12 November 2026 lawyers assisting told the Big Build royal commission Vida failed to produce documents or redacted some improperly, Guardian reports.
- Source Briefing
- Read original source · Guardian Australia
On Thursday 12 November 2026 the Big Build royal commission in Victoria heard counsel assisting say that the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (Vida) did not hand over some relevant documents, and that other documents it supplied carried improper redactions, Guardian Australia reported. The criticism was put by counsel assisting the commission, and it is an account of what was said at the hearing, not a finding.
Why it matters
The commission is probing integrity across Victoria’s big public and civil infrastructure projects. Public witnesses appeared for the first time this week, and the hearings have centred on the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union) and a 2022 level crossing removal at Gap Road, Sunbury.
The news that moved today. Free email. Every weekday morning.
Chris Young KC, counsel assisting, called Vida’s stance especially disappointing in light of Premier Ben Carroll’s repeated remarks on how much the commission’s work matters, Guardian Australia reports. He also warned serving and former public servants that non-compliance can carry a jail term.
Per Guardian Australia, the hearing heard a compulsory notice to appear has gone to a one-time adviser of long-serving premier Daniel Andrews, with the commissioner confirming that the ex-staffer was summoned. The Age’s live coverage of the same day carried the headings “Texts linking former Andrews adviser to Gap Road withheld from inquiry” and “Counsel assisting blasts government over redactions”. The Age’s detail under those headings was not available to us, so we do not repeat it.
The numbers
Guardian Australia reports Young told the hearing that Vida sought several extensions on its deadline for handing over relevant documents. It then supplied one two days late, he said, containing handwritten notes that were wrongly redacted and went to the heart of the Gap Road project.
Young added that Vida first revealed text messages about the rail project on Tuesday night. The Guardian says that came after the agency was criticised for not giving investigators evidence. The Guardian says the messages include references to the Premier’s Private Office and to two former officials. We do not name them or describe the messages further, as their contents have not been tested.
The Guardian calls the Gap Road works a controversial rail project. Evidence this week touched on a CFMEU stoppage there, but those claims are being tested through witnesses and are not established.
What’s next
The commission continues to sit, with The Age noting hearings would resume the following morning. Vida’s counsel, Richard Knowles KC, told the hearing the agency understands the gravity of the criticism and is committed to assisting the commission. Guardian Australia reports he apologised for any falling short and said Vida would respond to the commission’s requests for more documents as soon as possible. We have not seen a date for the former adviser’s appearance. We will update this story if the commission publishes one.
Our earlier coverage of the commission’s lead-up is in the freeze-call story.
Quick answers
What are the key numbers in this story?
late document: 2 days; adviser summoned: 1.
Where does this information come from?
This story cites Guardian Australia and The Age. Every source is linked on the page.
Filed by the AusDev Melbourne Desk. How we report.