New watchdog powers to target misconduct on construction sites

A NEW referral service will be set up to handle complaints about misconduct on Victorian construction sites, under legislation introduced to Parliament this week.

The Wage Theft Amendment Bill 2025, part of the Victorian government’s response to the Wilson review, will create a central complaints service within Workforce Inspectorate Victoria to refer allegations to the appropriate agency.

The changes are aimed at improving oversight on public construction projects, particularly where safety concerns — including threats to women — are raised.

Minister for Industrial Relations Jaclyn Symes said the new service would help address unlawful behaviour in the industry.

“Criminal and unlawful behaviour has no place in Victoria’s construction industry,” she said.

“We’re taking strong action to stamp out rotten and unlawful practices, and this new complaints service will help rid worksites of this bad conduct.”

Workforce Inspectorate Victoria is the new name for Wage Inspectorate Victoria, reflecting its expanded role. It will remain an independent statutory body also responsible for administering workplace laws, including long service leave and child employment protections.

The bill also repeals Victoria’s own wage theft offences, aligning state laws with the Commonwealth, which has introduced national penalties for intentional underpayment.

Symes said the new system would empower workers to speak up.

“The vast majority of construction workers are hard-working and honest people. This new service will empower them to bring complaints forward and help clean up the sector,” she said.