Sydney Metro has terminated subcontractor Future Form and its downstream labour providers from the Western Sydney Airport Metro project in Western Sydney after an independent investigation uncovered alleged worker exploitation, tax fraud, and insurance breaches linked to the rail line connecting Parramatta with Western Sydney International Airport. 

The investigation, led by barrister Max Kimber SC, examined labour supply chains linked to the construction of the rail line connecting St Mary's, Parramatta, and the future Western Sydney International Airport. Authorities allege the subcontracting arrangements involved worker underpayment, tax fraud, insurance irregularities, and unauthorised labour-hire practices. 

According to the NSW Government, Future Form had been engaged by construction consortium Webuild under multiple contracts covering formwork, reinforced concrete works, and labour supply services for the metro line. Investigators found that Future Form allegedly relied on undisclosed downstream subcontractors, creating a complicated labour chain that made it difficult to verify who was working on site, how they were employed, and whether wages and taxes were properly managed. Officials stated that more than AUD 10 million in invoices could not be fully verified because of gaps in documentation and subcontractor transparency. 

The Kimber investigation also uncovered allegations that some workers were paid “cash in hand” and instructed to conceal the identities of their actual employers. Investigators said certain subcontractors communicated through encrypted messaging applications with disappearing-message features, making records difficult to trace. The report additionally raised concerns about possible insurance fraud and payroll discrepancies involving labour-hire entities connected to the project. Several organisations and individuals reportedly declined to cooperate fully with the investigation. 

As a result of the findings, the NSW Government referred the matter to multiple enforcement and integrity agencies, including NSW Police, the NSW Crime Commission, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Australian Tax Office. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said the government would not tolerate misconduct on publicly funded infrastructure projects and announced tighter oversight requirements for future subcontracting arrangements on the metro project. 

The controversy has intensified concerns about delays to the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line, a 23-km rapid transit project intended to serve the new airport precinct and the surrounding Bradfield Aerotropolis. Originally expected to open alongside the airport in 2026, the metro service is now unlikely to begin operations before 2027. The rail connection is considered critical for transporting airport workers, airline passengers, and businesses operating in Western Sydney’s emerging logistics and aviation hub.