Government’s top construction industry adviser quits

The Victorian government’s top construction industry adviser has quit in protest at the state’s handling of the sector shutdown.

Peter Parkinson, who advises Treasurer Tim Pallas, resigned last week after voicing frustration about the lack of engagement about the implications of the new rules from the Chief Health Officer.

Building unions and industry leaders claim they received minimal notice and had no input in the decision to order mandatory vaccinations and subsequent industry shutdown.

Circumstances of Mr Parkinson’s departure were confirmed by four union and industry sources speaking with The Age anonymously to discuss the relationship between the Health Department and union and employer groups.

Daniel Andrews rejected suggestions the reason for Mr Parkinson’s departure related to what was reported, but would not explain any further.