Big Build royal commission LIVE: Opening hearing to lay foundations for probe into alleged corruption on government building sites

Premier Ben Carroll revealed last month that former South Australian chief justice Chris Kourakis would lead today’s royal commission into the building industry as he unveiled broad terms of reference.

Kourakis served as SA’s chief justice from 2012 until his retirement from the bench earlier this year. He was previously the state’s solicitor-general from 2003 to 2008.

Two Victorian barristers, Chris Young and Christopher Carr, have been appointed as counsel assisting the commission.

Young, KC, practises in public and commercial law and has appeared in proceedings involving building and construction projects. Carr, SC, is chair of the Victorian Criminal Bar Association, and practises across criminal and administrative law.

There is no list of witnesses who may appear before the commission yet, but the powers handed to Kourakis extend into the executive government, allowing him to call politicians and advisers alongside public servants, union leaders and building firms.

This could include Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews, as well as senior advisers such as those whom The Age last month revealed had sought to warn Allan in writing about lawless CFMEU tactics, cost blowouts and the reported infiltration of organised crime on taxpayer-funded projects.