Integrity Oversight Victoria Supports Reforms to IBAC Legislation
Integrity Oversight Victoria has made a written submission and provided evidence as part of a parliamentary inquiry into the adequacy of the legislative framework for IBAC. We recommend legislative changes to simplify and give greater clarity to IBAC’s role in exposing and preventing public sector corruption and police misconduct.
Key points from our submission:
- Expansion of Definition of ‘Corrupt Conduct’
Any amendment to expand the definition of corrupt conduct must account for the impact on IBAC’s and Integrity Oversight Victoria’s resources. Broadening the scope without additional resourcing may reduce IBAC’s ability to investigate police misconduct, undermining public trust in oversight. - Amendments to Improve Transparency
Integrity Oversight Victoria recommends legislative reform allowing IBAC to make findings about corrupt conduct in public reports, within appropriate settings. This would improve transparency and reduce reputational harm caused when IBAC is unable to clarify the seriousness of its findings. - Reform of Public Hearings Criteria
Our submission supports removing the ‘exceptional circumstances’ requirement for IBAC to hold public hearings — provided key safeguards remain — and suggests amending the IBAC Act so that Integrity Oversight Victoria is notified about potential public examinations before summonses are issued to witnesses. - Clarifying Information-Sharing Provisions
Greater clarity is needed around IBAC’s ability to share review findings with complainants following investigations. Empowering IBAC to clearly communicate review outcomes will enhance trust and improve system transparency. - Public Interest Disclosure System Review
With IBAC investing substantial resources into its role under the Public Interest Disclosures Act, we suggest reviewing whether a more decentralised model could enhance IBAC’s ability to identity, investigate and expose corrupt conduct.
Our submission also suggests that where there is an increase in IBAC’s powers, that we be enabled to oversee these expansions to ensure a robust, transparent, and fair integrity system for all Victorians.
For more details about the inquiry, including links to submissions, visit Inquiry into the Adequacy of the Legislative Framework for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission - Parliament of Victoria.
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