Rita Panahi: Daniel Andrews has shown a masterful ability to turn a crisis into an opportunity to seize further power

The latest corruption findings reveal IBAC as a toothless tiger and give the Premier the chance to further increase his power base.

Dan Andrews’ Teflon coating has taken a hit in the past week with the latest IBAC findings coming days after the Commonwealth Games humiliation that saw the state become a national laughing stock.

On Thursday the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s 308-page report gave an insight into the lamentable manner this state operates.

But Operation Sandon’s findings also revealed that Victoria’s corruption watchdog is a pitiful toothless tiger.

Don’t be surprised if the end result of this scandal sees Premier Andrews’ power base increase further.

Daniel Andrews’ power base could increase as a result of the scandal. Picture: Jason Edwards

In recent years he has again and again shown a masterful ability to turn a crisis into an opportunity to seize further power.

IBAC found that the premier and his senior ministers were wined and dined by a property developer whose fat donations were rewarded with “privileged access”.

The developer, John Woodman, has given more than $1m in secret payments to political figures including two Casey councillors.

One measure recommended by IBAC that the Premier wholeheartedly backs is stripping local governments of their ability to make major planning decisions with an overhaul of current planning laws.

John Woodman has given more than $1m in secret payments to political figures. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Speaking on Thursday afternoon the Premier was quick to point the finger at the Liberal Party for not backing his integrity reforms and trumpeted his government’s donation rules.

“We have the toughest political donation rules anywhere in the country, we have the most transparent and toughest arrangements anywhere in the country,” he said.

Andrews will like nothing more than to see the role of local councils in significant planning decisions reduced with that power transferring to his government.

We saw Gladys Berejiklian endure the embarrassment of having details of her private life broadcast for the world with her public ICAC testimony.

She was ultimately forced to step down as premier of NSW and then had a finding against her despite the fact that she did not financially benefit one cent from her ex-boyfriend’s business dealings.

She was effectively tarred and feathered for the sin of not disclosing her intimate relationship with Daryl Maguire.

Another NSW premier, Barry O’Farrell, stepped down over a pricey bottle of wine.

Meanwhile, Dan Andrews, the control-freak premier of the most debt-riddled, integrity-challenged state is allowed to give evidence behind closed doors and no adverse findings have been made against him.