IBACs Powers: A Parliamentary Inquiry Calls for Strengthened Anti-Corruption MeasuresA parliamentary inquiry has highlighted the need for IBAC, Victorias anti-corruption watchdog, to have expanded powers to effectively investigate and enforce anti-corruption measures, particularly in relation to how taxpayer money is spent by private companies. The inquiry, led by Greens MP Tim Read, found that current rules limit IBACs ability to investigate and enforce anti-corruption measures, allowing some forms of grey corruption to slip through the cracks.The inquiry recommends strengthening decision-making, improving transparency, and building public trust in IBAC. They suggest IBAC should be able to look into misconduct that doesnt quite meet the level of a criminal offense, aligning it with similar bodies in other states and at the federal level.IBAC Commissioner Victoria Elliott has also expressed concerns about the current threshold for investigating corruption in Victoria being the highest in the country. She has been advocating for follow-the-dollar powers, which would allow IBAC to track public funds even when used by private entities like subcontractors.The committee made thirty-one recommendations in total, including ensuring IBAC receives enough funding to handle the increased workload and creating a dedicated division within IBAC to focus on police corruption and misconduct. However, there was some disagreement among committee members about whether IBAC should have expanded powers to hold public hearings for more of its investigations.The Centre for Public Integrity has welcomed the report, urging the government to act quickly on these recommendations. The Victorian government has not yet formally responded to the reports findings.

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