Daniel Andrews accused of ‘a disgraceful cover-up’ by quietly shelving a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s corruption watchdog

The state opposition says a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s corruption watchdog should be reinstated after it was quietly shelved.

The Victorian Opposition has called for a Labor-led parliamentary inquiry into the state’s corruption watchdog to be immediately reinstated after it was quietly shelved.

The parliaments integrity and oversight integrity had been holding public hearings into the independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission’s handling of witnesses.

But key witnesses for the probe have now been told they will not be speaking publicly despite being told they would be able to.

The inquiry has already sparked controversy after Committee Chair and Labor MP Harriet Shing demanded the public feed be cut during questions to IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich.

He was asked about reports that Premier Daniel Andrews had been interviewed in private hearings by the watchdog but was not given the chance to respond.

The decision to end the inquiry early also means Mr Redlich will not get his demand to reappear before the inquiry again, a request he made in response to the feed being cut.

Opposition spokeswoman for government scrutiny Louise Staley said the parliamentary probe must be immediately restored.

“The closure of this inquiry a disgraceful cover-up by Daniel Andrews that must be immediately reversed,” she said.

Louise Staley says the parliamentary probe must be immediately restored. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Premier Daniel Andrews has been accused of a ‘disgraceful cover-up’. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“Victorians deserve better than having an anti-corruption inquiry shutdown because the spotlight is turning on the government.”

“Instead of gagging the IBAC, a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will boost funding and powers for Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog.”

When asked about claims the inquiry was being shelved to protect him, Mr Andrews said the accusation was “complete nonsense”.

“I haven’t seen that claim, but that is not an accurate claim,” he said.

“I don’t involve myself in the work of that committee.

“It’s got an important job to do … I’m not a member of that committee.

“I couldn’t offer any further comment than that.”