Victorian premier accused of ‘nonsense’ for blaming inflation amid gangland allegations over cost blowouts

The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, is under fire for attributing the escalating costs of the state’s $100bn Big Build infrastructure project to "inflationary pressures" rather than corruption, despite mounting allegations of gangland involvement. An integrity expert dismissed her reasoning as "nonsense," intensifying calls for a royal commission. This controversy highlights broader concerns about government accountability and transparency amid significant public spending, with implications for future state projects and public trust.