IBAC warns funding shortfall could stall corruption probes
The state’s anti-corruption watchdog says a lack of funding from the Andrews government means it can no longer probe all allegations of government misconduct and police integrity concerns.
Victoria
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The state’s anti-corruption watchdog has issued an urgent warning that it can no longer investigate all serious allegations of government corruption and police integrity concerns due to the Andrews Government refusing to increase funding for the agency.
In an unprecedented move, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, Robert Redlich QC has said investigation resources had reached capacity and some cases would now not be investigated due to constraints.
“It is deeply concerning that IBAC’s budget has remained largely static since we were founded,” QC Redlich wrote in the agencies newsletter on Thursday.
“This means that today IBAC cannot investigate a significant number of complaints of serious misconduct which may warrant our investigation.
“IBAC is deeply committed to ensuring we meet our legislated responsibilities for the Victorian community, but I need to be clear; without additional funding from 2021, IBAC will not be able to maintain current services and its capacity to expose and prevent corruption will be further curtailed and significantly impacted.”
His warning was contained in the IBAC monthly newsletter warning and comes as IBAC has just launched a new inquiry into three Andrew’s government ministers and allegations of branch stacking within the Labor Party.
There is also an ongoing probe into the long-running CFA pay dispute that also includes an investigation into the relationship between the Labor Government and the United Firefighters Union.
Mr Redlich also highlighted the increasing number of police integrity cases being referred.
IBAC has been sounding the alarm its resources were not adequate for two years, with Mr Redlich making submissions to multiple government inquiries.
He also met with Mr Andrews’ former Minister of State Gavin Jennings raising the issue, however the plea has been repeatedly ignored.
On Tuesday, Mr Andrews declined to commit to more funding saying it was not necessary and trying to claim the agency had excess funds available.
The IBAC last year spent $43.7 million on its corruption-busting investigations and preventive measures, up from $39.7 million the previous year.
Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien has previously said funding shortfalls were a concern and “it is imperative the body responsible for rooting out corruption in government is properly funded”.
This week the Herald Sun revealed the IBAC was also deeply concerned about corruption risk during the pandemic.
Mr Redlich sent an unprompted letter to the Hotel Quarantine Inquiry Chair Jennifer Coate, providing information on corruption risks during times of emergency and outlining what would constitute illegal behaviour or misconduct by public servants.
It is understood the commission is watching proceedings closely and will investigate if misconduct is flagged in Ms Coate’s findings, which are due to be handed down by November 6.
An IBAC spokesperson confirmed the commission had contacted the inquiry but said an official submission had not been made.
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