The investigation cross-matched donations from the Victorian Electoral Commission with the state’s tender portal, spotlighting firms like Hutchinson Builders, which donated $4,320 after securing a $124.8 million deal, and Symal Infrastructure, which gave $3,459 the same month it won over $113 million in work.
Executives from 16 of these companies held 54 meetings with Premier Jacinta Allan or her ministers during contract talks.
Opposition figures like James Newbury called it proof of a ‘rotten’ system ripe for favouritism, while the government insists procurement is independent and ruled by strict transparency rules.