Victoria’s new premier moves to widen anti-corruption watchdog powers
?s new Premier Ben Carroll has moved quickly to signal a tougher line on government integrity, saying the state’s anti-corruption watchdog should get...
Victoria’s new Premier Ben Carroll has moved quickly to signal a tougher line on government integrity, saying the state’s anti-corruption watchdog should get a broader reach as soon as possible. The push is aimed at misconduct that may not be criminal, but still erodes public trust.
Carroll said on Saturday he would immediately seek advice on whether planned changes to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, or IBAC, could be brought forward from the end of next year.
“Integrity is non-negotiable”
“If we can bring it forward, I will,” he said. “I’m going to lead with integrity. Integrity is non-negotiable. It’s fundamental.”
The premier said the public should at least see that he is trying to do the right thing. That message was aimed squarely at voters weary of rows over influence, conflicts and public sector conduct.
Carroll also said a special prosecutor working alongside a royal commission into the building industry would be given whatever time and resources were needed to secure criminal convictions and clean up the corruption-plagued major projects sector.
Short. Sharp. Intentional.
Pressure on the major projects sector
The building industry inquiry is set to run in tandem with the prosecutor, part of a broader effort to restore confidence in how major projects are managed in Victoria. Carroll did not set out a timeline for the work, but made clear he wants the investigation backed properly.
The anti-corruption pledge lands as the new government faces scrutiny over how far it will go in reopening old political wounds. Opponents have already begun shaping the battlefield.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson on Saturday released her proposed terms of reference for a royal commission, along with a suggested witness list that includes Daniel Andrews, Jacinta Allan and Carroll.
What comes next
Carroll said the terms of reference would be finalised this week. That makes the coming days crucial: the scope of the inquiry, the powers behind it and the reach of IBAC will all shape how far Victoria’s new administration is willing to push its clean-up drive.
