‘Shameful con’: Labor proposes last-minute change to IBAC reform

Victoria's proposed reforms to expand the powers of the Independent Broadsheet Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) face potential collapse after a late-stage amendment was announced that could limit its ability to investigate certain allegations related to the state's Big Build infrastructure projects. The change, confirmed by Premier Ben Carroll's government, would prevent IBAC from using its newly granted follow-the-money powers and expanded corruption definitions to revisit cases it previously investigated, dismissed, or referred to other agencies. This has sparked immediate backlash from both the opposition and the Greens, who have warned they may withdraw support for the legislation unless amendments are made. The proposed legislation, set to be introduced into parliament on Tuesday, aims to enhance IBAC's authority to trace financial flows linked to corruption and define corruption more broadly to facilitate investigations. However, the government's addition of a clause declaring past IBAC inquiries off-limits has drawn sharp criticism. The amendment specifically excludes allegations previously handled by IBAC, including those referred by former premier Jacinta Allan in July 2024, shortly after the initial revelations of organized crime infiltration in government-funded building projects were published by media outlets including The Age, The Australian Financial Review, and 60 Minutes. Shadow Attorney-General James Newbury called the move a "shameful con," accusing the government of attempting to conceal evidence of what he described as the worst corruption scandal in Victoria's history. He emphasized that Victorians deserved transparency regarding the extent of corruption tied to the Big Build projects and argued that blocking IBAC from revisiting past allegations undermined the purpose of the reforms. In response, Special Minister of State Ingrid Stitt defended the government's position, stating that the new Kourakis royal commission would serve as the primary investigative body into corruption and misconduct linked to the Big Build. She claimed the commission would collaborate closely with IBAC, a special prosecutor, and Victoria Police to ensure all allegations of serious wrongdoing were thoroughly examined. Stitt added that the government was accelerating the passage of the new laws to enable IBAC to implement its expanded powers earlier in 2026 rather than waiting until 2027. Greens Leader Ellen Sandell criticized the government for failing to fully empower IBAC, noting that the legislation included significant limitations that would hinder the commission's ability to conduct public examinations of witnesses, including parliamentarians. She accused Labor of making concessions that protected the government while leaving Victorians in the dark about potential corruption. Former Premier Jacinta Allan had written to IBAC in July 2024, urging the commission to investigate allegations of serious corruption uncovered during the Building Bad inquiry. However, in February of this year, it was disclosed that IBAC had determined the matter fell outside its jurisdiction at the time. At that point, IBAC was also evaluating a separate referral from Newbury concerning a report by anti-corruption advocate Geoffrey Watson, SC, which detailed serious misconduct within the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). The union, under previous governments, held an industrial monopoly over Big Build projects. Newbury submitted another referral in July regarding additional allegations against the CFMEU, though specific details remain unclear. An opposition party room meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning is anticipated to decide whether to withdraw support for the bill unless substantial changes are made to address concerns raised by the Coalition and the Greens.