# Premier-Linked Documents Withheld from Royal Commission Victorian authorities face scrutiny for delaying and redacting critical evidence regarding union standoffs. - **Source:** [PerthNow](https://www.perthnow.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0cc6246c-7417-4581-91b5-38fd895e5b8b ## Commission Faces Obstruction The Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority faces severe criticism for failing to provide essential documents to a royal commission. Senior counsel Chris Young KC expressed deep concerns regarding the agency's compliance, noting that critical materials were withheld or redacted. This lack of transparency hinders the investigation into a major construction project union standoff. ## Premier Office References Newly disclosed text messages include references to the Premier's Private Office during the tenure of Daniel Andrews. These communications mention Matt Toner, a former advisor, and Matt Phelan, a former chief of staff. The commission now intends to call both individuals to provide evidence regarding their involvement in the union-related project disputes. ## Redacted Meeting Notes Handwritten notes from former Rail Projects Victoria chief executive Evan Tattersall were initially submitted with dozens of pages entirely redacted. These notes concern a two-day work stoppage at the Gap Road level crossing removal in Sunbury. An unredacted version was only provided after the commission made multiple requests for the full records. ## Missing Meeting Records Records of a June 7 meeting attended by then-transport minister Jacinta Allan were initially delivered to the commission with full redactions. Furthermore, documentation regarding another meeting involving authority executives on the same day remains entirely missing. The commission is currently searching for any agendas or minutes related to these specific events. ## Union Influence Allegations Redacted notebook entries revealed claims that the CFMEU pressured companies out of business over Aboriginal employment disputes. Other entries suggest the Rail Infrastructure Alliance failed to engage with the union. The commission is now investigating who authorized these redactions and why such plainly relevant information was concealed from the official inquiry. ## Legal Compliance Warnings Counsel Chris Young issued a stern reminder that failing to comply with royal commission requirements can result in severe penalties, including potential jail time. He emphasized that state entities must cooperate fully with the investigation. The commission expects all public agencies to adhere to their legal obligations without requiring constant external pressure. ## Disappointing State Cooperation The commission expressed profound disappointment regarding the state's lack of proactive cooperation. Despite public assurances from the Premier about the importance of the inquiry, state entities have only engaged when legally compelled. This behavior contrasts sharply with non-state parties, who have complied with similar obligations much more quickly and without significant delays. ## Broader Investigation Context This inquiry focuses on the intersection of government oversight and union influence within major infrastructure projects. By examining these withheld documents, the commission aims to uncover the extent of political involvement in construction disputes. The outcome of these hearings could reshape how Victorian public agencies manage transparency and reporting requirements moving forward. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/politics/premier-linked-documents-withheld-from-royal-commission-c-23152720 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._