In the wake of Premier Jacinta Allan's recent apology over the Big Build debacle, it's clear that the public is not buying her attempts at damage control. While she may have acknowledged some malfeasance on building sites, her letter was more of a panegyric, highlighting her government's achievements rather than taking full responsibility for the fiasco. This is where the real issue lies: the public expects leaders to own up to their mistakes and take concrete steps to prevent them from happening again. Instead, Allan's letter was a classic case of 'kicking the can down the road', using global events like inflation to deflect from the extraordinary high costs of the Big Build projects. This approach is not only disingenuous but also fails to address the root causes of the problem. The public is not fooled by such sleight of hand, and it's time for Allan to resign. The Big Build has resulted in a projected Victorian net state debt of $199 billion, with interest payments reaching $24 million a day. This is a massive burden on the state, and the public is right to be concerned about the long-term implications. The question now is how to pay for these projects without cutting vital state government services such as public health, education, transport, and law enforcement. The answer lies in a comprehensive review of the Big Build, including a royal commission, to identify the causes of the debacle and implement measures to prevent it from happening again. Royal commissions have a long history in Australia, but their recommendations are often not fully implemented. For example, the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody has resulted in over 500 deaths in the 30 years since its final report, and the banking, superannuation, and financial services industry royal commission has not led to significant changes in the sector. This raises a deeper question: why do we continue to rely on royal commissions when they often fail to bring about meaningful change? The answer lies in the political will to implement their recommendations. The public is right to be skeptical of the government's commitment to addressing the Big Build debacle. While Allan's apology may have been a step in the right direction, it is not enough. The public expects leaders to take responsibility for their mistakes and implement concrete measures to prevent them from happening again. The Big Build has highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of government spending and a commitment to transparency and accountability. The public is right to demand answers and hold leaders accountable for their actions. In the end, the Big Build debacle is a wake-up call for the government to address the root causes of the problem and implement measures to prevent it from happening again. The public is not buying Allan's attempts at damage control, and it's time for her to resign. The future of Victoria depends on the government's ability to address the challenges facing the state, and the public is right to demand answers and hold leaders accountable for their actions.
