Corruption watchdog strengthened on final day of Victorian parliament

Victoria's corruption watchdog, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), will gain new powers to combat "grey corruption" and investigate third parties under recently passed legislation. Premier Ben Carroll, who vowed to expedite these changes upon becoming premier in July, announced the legislation as he passed it on the final day of the current parliament.

The laws allow IBAC to "follow the dollar" and probe non-government entities that have benefited from public funding, broadening its scope beyond investigating only public bodies and criminal offenses. Integrity experts have long criticized the narrow definition, which has hindered the watchdog's ability to address misconduct. The legislation, negotiated during the final sitting day of the parliament, will enable IBAC to investigate historical claims of corruption while not permitting the reopening of closed or dismissed investigations.

The Greens praised the bill, stating it honors the late Greens MP Tim Read, who advocated for the reforms. A second set of reforms, including IBAC's police oversight role, will be addressed next year.