This afternoon Victoria's Upper House, with support of the Greens, passed legislation to fix Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog and allow IBAC to actually investigate corruption on Labor's Big Build construction sites.
Jacinta Allan immediately blocked these laws from going ahead by voting against them in the Lower House.
Labor voted against giving IBAC any new powers at all, including the ability to follow-the-dollar and conduct public hearings.
The Greens say Labor's decision to vote down these basic powers raises serious questions about what they are hiding.
Both major parties - Labor and Liberal - also voted down one of the additional Greens' amendments, to expand IBAC's jurisdiction and give it the full powers to investigate corruption, to bring it up to the same standard as NSW. IBAC has explicitly asked for these powers. Expanded jurisdiction is vital for the anti-corruption watchdog to properly investigate corruption on Labor's Big Build.
Only the Greens are pushing to fully strengthen IBAC and ensure it can investigate corruption wherever it occurs - including on multibillion-dollar government projects.
As stated by the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
"This is another desperate attempt from Labor to cover up alleged corruption. Victorians deserve answers"
"Victorians will also be disappointed to learn that the Liberals also refused to vote to give IBAC the additional powers it needs to investigate all forms of corruption. The Liberals talk tough, but in the end they joined with Labor to block IBAC getting the expanded jurisdiction powers it needs to truly expose corruption.
"The Greens are the only ones who voted for Victoria for have a strong anti-corruption watchdog and voters should remember this when they head to the ballot box this November"
