Leading integrity experts have advocated for a revision of Victoria’s political donation laws, suggesting that they currently favour Labor and the Coalition. The Centre for Public Integrity, Australia’s leading anti-corruption think tank, made a submission to a review of the 2018 donations reforms initiated by the Andrews government. While acknowledging some improvements, the Centre expressed… Read More
Greens want please-explain from Labor ministers who ignore reports
The Greens are pressing Labor ministers to provide explanations if they overlook or miss deadlines for parliamentary reports, aiming to ensure community and MP efforts aren’t wasted. A former Labor MP highlighted the government’s failure to address a homelessness report presented two years ago, even though ministers should usually respond within six months. Greens MP… Read More
‘Beyond the realms of acceptable spin’: Integrity experts slam Andrews for downplaying IBAC report
Integrity experts have criticised Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews for misrepresenting the findings of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC). Read More
Former Ibac head could face integrity committee after making allegations against Victorian MPs
Robert Redlich, former head of Victoria’s (IBAC), may be required to provide evidence before a revamped integrity and oversight committee Read More
IBAC committee brawls amid claims of ‘interference’ from Andrews’ office
The group of state MPs who oversee Victoria’s corruption watchdog have turned on each other amid claims Premier Daniel Andrews’ office directed a politically charged statement that took a swipe at the agency. Veteran Liberal MP and former treasurer Kim Wells has accused Andrews’ office of “direct political interference” into the Integrity and Oversight Committee,… Read More
Victorian government under pressure from Greens, opposition to speed up integrity reforms
The Victorian government is under pressure to speed up promised integrity reforms, following a scathing report detailing “extensive” misconduct by its MPs. The Operation Watts investigation — a joint probe between the state’s ombudsman and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) — uncovered rampant nepotism and the widespread misuse of public resources within the Victorian… Read More
Voters care about integrity – the Andrews government should pay heed
The message could not have been clearer at the last federal election. Voters do not see integrity, transparency and the misuse of public funds for political purposes as esoteric topics for think tank discussion groups, but fundamental issues that go to the heart of good government.
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Siblings’ planning ties highlight flaws in lobbying laws
Lobbying is an undeniable reality of government decision-making in Australia, and the OECD has recognised that it can make a valuable contribution to the democratic process. It also cautions, however, that lobbying can lead to “undue influence, unfair competition and regulatory capture to the detriment of the public”.
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The minister and the lobbyist: Blandthorn siblings face conflict questions
Premier Daniel Andrews’ appointment of new Planning Minister Lizzie Blandthorn has raised conflict-of-interest questions due to her lobbyist brother representing major development, construction and infrastructure clients. In an appointment that has unsettled some senior government and Labor insiders, the premier named Pascoe Vale MP Blandthorn to the sensitive planning role. Her brother, John-Paul Blandthorn, heads… Read More
Ibac frenzy exposes a wide divide between Victorian and federal Liberals
More public hearings would undeniably stop speculation from running wild. How that balance can be achieved is a matter that Liberals must grapple with at both the state and federal levels. Read More