Victorian IBAC considers new investigation into Labor red shirts rort

Victoria’s corruption watchdog is considering a fresh investigation into Labor’s red shirts rort from the 2014 state election.

Victoria’s corruption watchdog is considering a new investigation into Labor’s red shirts rort from the 2014 election.

The state’s upper house passed a motion for Ombudsman Deborah Glass to reinvestigate the scandal.

A total of $388,000 of taxpayers’ money was misused to pay campaign staff as part of the rort.

Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass will reinvestigate the scandal.

Controversial former Labor MP Adem Somyurek moved the motion, requesting Ms Glass specifically look into any role Premier Daniel Andrews may have played.

Before the recent movements, the issue had already been probed by the Ombudsman and Victoria Police.

Ms Glass has confirmed she will consult the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) in relation to the referral.

“I will consider the extent to which the matters subject of the referral have already been investigated or are currently being investigated,” Ms Glass said.

Former Victorian Labor MP Adem Somyurek wants a new investigation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“The public needs to have confidence that public resources are not being misused for political ends, and, as always, any investigation I lead will be independent and based on evidence.

“I have a discretion to investigate as I see fit, and I will refer matters and share information as appropriate and in accordance with the Ombudsman Act.”

The red shirts scheme was previously investigated by Ms Glass in 2018. She found almost two dozen Labor MPs breached parliamentary guidelines on the matter.