The Parliamentary Accounts & Estimates Committee (PAEC) recently held a public hearing as part of its inquiry into fraud and corruption controls in local government.
Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, who serves on PAEC, joined fellow committee members in questioning key witnesses, including representatives from the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, the Local Government Inspectorate, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, and the Victorian Ombudsman.
“PAEC plays a critical role in holding local councils accountable to the communities they serve. Ratepayers deserve to know their money is being spent appropriately, and our inquiry is focused on ensuring that fraud and corruption have no place in local government,” Ms Benham said.
The inquiry aims to ensure transparency, integrity, and responsible use of ratepayer funds within councils across Victoria and is a follow-up on two Auditor-General reports tabled in 2019 and 2022.
The Committee will also inquire into the actions taken by Victorian integrity and government agencies to address the issues raised in the findings and recommendations of the two audits.
Among a host of issues, the hearing revealed that a swimming pool attendant without tertiary qualifications was appointed to a $300,000-a-year corporate affairs position within their local council. Additionally, a chief executive awarded himself a $170,000 payout, signed off by a junior staffer at another council.
“Local councils must uphold the highest standards of governance. Without proper checks and balances, we risk eroding public trust in these institutions. Ratepayers have a right to expect transparency and ethical decision-making from those entrusted with managing public funds,” she said.
The Committee will table its report no later than 20 November 2025, which will include the actions taken by Victorian integrity and government agencies to address the issues raised in the findings and recommendations of the two audits.
