The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has raised concerns in Parliament about the lack of powers available to Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog.
The comments were made while speaking on the Integrity & Oversight Committee’s report into the adequacy of the legislative framework for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
As a member of the Committee, Ms Benham said the report made 31 recommendations to strengthen IBAC, including changes to the definition of corrupt conduct and the introduction of follow-the-money powers.
“The reality is IBAC does not have the powers it needs to properly investigate corruption linked to taxpayer-funded projects.”
Ms Benham said the Committee also heard evidence supporting stronger powers to investigate third-party contractors where there is a substantial connection between alleged corrupt conduct and government funding.
“Despite these recommendations, nothing has changed.
“Instead of strengthening oversight, the government continues to block reforms that would give IBAC the powers it needs to properly investigate corruption.
“This raises a serious question – what is the government trying to hide?” Ms Benham said. “Victorians deserve to know why the powers needed to investigate corruption on taxpayer-funded projects are being blocked.”
Ms Benham also criticised Labor MPs for voting against the establishment of Construction Enforcement Victoria, a proposed independent watchdog that would enforce the Construction Industry Code, issue banning orders and refer criminal or corruption matters to Victoria Police and IBAC.
“After at least $15 billion of taxpayer money has reportedly been lost to corruption on Big Build sites, Victorians deserve real accountability,” Ms Benham said.
“The Liberals and Nationals have put forward a clear plan to enforce the law, follow the money and restore integrity to taxpayer-funded projects.”
