Stronger IBAC powers long overdue changes to help curb corruption
Transparency International (TI) Australia has welcomed changes to strengthen the powers of Victoria’s IBAC whilst calling for changes to be implemented before the election and reiterating the need for Royal Commission or similar commission of inquiry into corruption in Victoria’s construction sector.
Proposed changes include a broader definition of corrupt conduct, new “follow the money” powers and bolstered corruption prevention and education powers for IBAC.
The current definition of ‘corrupt conduct’ in the IBAC Act and the focus on criminal conduct, does not sufficiently capture other forms of misconduct that may not amount to criminal offences but still have profound impacts on public confidence, integrity, and governance.
The proposed broader definition of ‘corrupt conduct’ should give IBAC the power to probe breaches of codes of conduct, serious maladministration linked to favouritism or undue influence, conduct that facilitates corruption or misconduct by others, and conduct that undermines integrity or public trust in public institutions.
In 2025, Victoria’s Integrity and Oversight Committee undertook a thorough review of IBAC’s power and made 31 recommendations including those announced by the government. The establishment of another committee process in 2027 is simply delaying what’s needed to strengthen IBAC powers.
Clancy Moore, CEO of Transparency International Australia, said:
“For too long, corrupt union officials, organised crime gangs and shonky contractors have infiltrated Victoria’s construction sector, including the $100 billion Big Build program. The proposed changes including “follow the money” powers will greatly boost IBAC’s investigate muscle to help stamp out corruption in the construction sector and shine a light on dodgy deals and illicit money trails.”
“Premier Allan’s response to the Integrity and Oversight Committee report is welcome but a Royal Commission or similar commission of inquiry into corruption in Victoria’s construction sector is still needed.”
“Corruption is like a cancer on society and prevention is always better than the cure. The proposed stronger corruption prevention and education functions will help build trust in IBAC and prevent corruption taking root in the first place.”
“We also call on the Coalition to commit to broadening out the definition of ‘corrupt conduct’ so that the IBAC can properly examine much of the ‘grey’ corruption in Victoria’s construction sector, which might not constitute a criminal offence, but erodes people trust, wastes public money and needs to end.”
“These changes are long overdue and urgently needed. The Allan Government should draft legislation and pass them through parliament before the November election.”