Andrews government orders ‘highly unusual’ security sweep of its ministerial cars

A senior Labor MP has backed the government’s call to order a security sweep of all ministerial cars after it was described as “highly unusual”.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has defended the government’s decision to order a security sweep on all ministerial cars, despite the move being described as “highly unusual”.

The Andrews government ordered the sweep just days after being elected to a third term.

Parliamentary sources, including an experienced driver, said they had never before been directed to undergo a sweep and the order “highly unusual”.

Drivers were ordered to present their vehicles at the State Government Office at 1 Treasury Place this week for checking.

The government won’t say why it ordered the security sweep.

But senior sources said there was increased tension about potential surveillance ahead of a new term of government.

However, Ms Thomas said such sweeps were “very normal practice”.

“It’s actually quite a normal procedure,” she hit back.

“It’s a security matter and I’ll leave it at that.”

Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog and Victoria Police were among just five government agencies that can lawfully use surveillance devices to investigate corruption or criminal activity.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Game Management Authority and Victorian Fisheries Authority are also authorised to use the devices.

The Andrews government won’t say why it ordered the security sweep. Picture: AAP

Law enforcement officers of these agencies must apply to the Supreme Court for a warrant before using data, listening, optical, and tracking devices.

Legislation imposes strict controls on the use of surveillance devices by the agencies, including how any data is used and stored.

A spokesman for the Department of Premier and Cabinet said security checks on government facilities were routinely conducted as part of regular protocol.

Government security protocols were regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the ever-changing security environment and changes in technology.

“The Victorian government has security measures in place to ensure the safety and security of ministers, their staff, and the Victorian public,” they said.

In its most recent report to parliament the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission said 17 surveillance devices were in operation.

Of those seven were listening devices, six were optical surveillance devices and four were tracking devices.

Between July 2020 and June 2021 seven applications for new warrants were grants to IBAC officers while nine warrant extensions were granted.

Since coming to power in 2014 the Andrews government has been linked to at least four known corruption probes.

Most recently it was revealed Daniel Andrews was facing questions over government grants provided to the Health Workers Union on the eve of the 2018 election.

It formed part of a multimillion-dollar package for the training of hospital staff against occupational violence that was announced a week before the government went into caretaker mode.

It is understood Mr Andrews was key focus of the inquiry.

He has also been involved in a string of other IBAC operations since coming to power including the top-secret Operation Richmond into dealings with the United Firefighters Union.

Operation Sandon probed the political donations of developer John Woodman, with Mr Andrews understood to have been questioned in secret over his association with Woodman.

A draft report has been finalised but is the subject of court action.

Mr Andrews was also quizzed as part of Operation Watts, an investigation into whether political staffers, including MPs, engaged in misconduct while working in public office.

Senior government staffers and ministerial advisers are understood to have been quizzed in a number of the probes.