The Victorian Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee has today presented its inquiry report into the legislative framework for the state’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
The purpose of the inquiry was to understand whether the legislative framework governing IBAC is fit for purpose, adequately supports IBAC’s mandate, and if reform is needed.
The report makes 31 recommendations addresssed to the Victorian Government and IBAC.
“At a time when public trust in public institutions is falling, it’s important that Victorians know we have an active anti-corruption agency with no less power than in any other part of Australia. That’s why these recommendations are vital,” said Committee Chair, Dr Tim Read.
The Committee’s recommendations include:
- The definition of ‘corrupt conduct’ in the IBAC Act be broadened, to include matters involving a serious disciplinary offence, misconduct worthy of termination or other relevant offences.
- Provide proportionate funding to IBAC to support the expansion of the definition of ‘corrupt conduct’.
- Amend the IBAC Act to provide the IBAC Commissioner with powers comparable to the Victorian Auditor-General including
- Investigation of corrupt conduct of third party and private subcontractors where there is a substantial connection between alleged corrupt conduct and government funding; and
- Follow-the-dollar investigatory powers.
- Permit IBAC to hold public inquiries on its educative and preventive functions.
- Undertake a comprehensive review of Victoria’s current Public Interest Disclosure scheme.
- That IBAC be required to prioritise the investigation of ‘serious police misconduct’ alongside ‘serious corrupt conduct’ and ‘systemic corrupt conduct’.
- IBAC establish a dedicated Police Corruption and Misconduct Division.
- Amend the IBAC Act to empower IBAC to make findings of corrupt conduct.
- That IBAC, in consultation with Gellung Warl, establish a dedicated, appropriately resourced Aboriginal Engagement Unit led by a First Nations leader.
The 174-page report is available on the Committee’s webpage.
