Construction workers are reluctant to blow the whistle on wrongdoing in the industry because of a “fear of reprisal”, a Victorian government investigation has found.

Former justice department chief Greg Wilson’s interim report on the state’s construction sector, which was sparked by allegations of intimidation and coercion within the CFMEU, was released on Friday.

The report found there is “significant reluctance” from workers to make complaints within the construction industry  “both because of fear of reprisal and because people lack confidence” any action would be taken.

Even if whistleblowers wish to make a complaint, they do not know who to lodge it to, the report stated.

“One person described approaching 10 entities over two years, including state and federal bodies and major contractors, and being unable to find anyone who could deal with the issue they were raising,” it said.

The review was sparked following allegations of serious criminal activity, including intimidation and coercion in the CFMEU on government construction worksites aired in media reports in July 2024.

It will also consider whether Victoria’s integrity watchdogs should be given stronger powers to investigate corruption at government worksites.

While agencies such as the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission and the Auditor-General’s Office can investigate and expose corruption in public office, they don’t have powers to look into contract arrangements between private sector employers on major government projects.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the report, which she received on Thursday, would “help us tear a rotten culture out by its roots”.

“The government will take the time to consider this interim report,” she said in a statement on Friday morning.

The final report will be delivered to the state government by November 28.

-AAP