Victorians rightly expect public money to be spent properly and for their state to be led with transparency.
We cannot allow corruption to slip through the cracks.
That's why the Carroll Labor Government is giving integrity agencies more powers.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) Amendment Bill 2026 will be introduced into the Victorian Parliament today.
Once passed, the new laws will come into effect immediately.
Giving IBAC follow-the-money powers
Under current laws, IBAC can only investigate conduct that includes a "relevant offence" with direct links to public officers or public bodies.
This limits its ability to uncover unlawful and integrity-compromising behaviour. But this changes now.
Once passed, IBAC will finally have the follow-the-money investigatory powers it needs to trace public funds.
This means they can investigate the conduct of private and third-party subcontractors on Government projects.
The tougher laws will clampdown on corruption and target serious allegations of misconduct like those made about Victoria's Big Build.
Redefining corruption in Victoria
The threshold of conduct that IBAC can investigate will also be lowered in the new legislation.
The laws will capture a broader range of conduct, including ones that don't currently meet the threshold of a criminal offence.
The definition will also extend to serious disciplinary matters, including serious misconduct and conduct worthy of termination.
The new definition also includes a specific provision for elected officials - Ministers, MPs and local councillors.
It means that they can be investigated for serious breaches to their respective codes of conduct.
Expert Reference Group
In line with the Government's response to the Integrity and Oversight Committee's report on IBAC, the Expert Reference Group will continue to consider the outstanding recommendations made.
The ERG will provide its advice to the Special Minister of State by next May, with legislation introduced in late 2027.
These changes will work hand-in-hand with the new Organised Crime Command.
As stated by Premier Ben Carroll
"In my Government, integrity is not optional."
"We're fast-tracking the new laws, so IBAC has the stronger powers it needs to uncover corruption this year."
"Victorians expect every taxpayer dollar to be spent properly."
As stated by Special Minister of State Ingrid Stitt
"We are strengthening IBACs powers to make sure corrupt conduct doesn't go unchecked."
"Jess Wilson is on the record opposing a change to the definition of corruption."
