Media release: Somyurek scandals shows need for a National Integrity Commission and a stronger IBAC

The Centre for Public Integrity is today calling for stronger corruption investigation capacity in Victoria and federally, in response to the revelations involving branch stacking by former Victorian Minister Adem Somyurek.

“The revelations involving Adem Somyurek highlight the need for stronger corruption investigation capacity at a state and federal level,” said Geoffrey Watson SC.

“Victoria’s IBAC requires more funding and stronger powers to deal with such matters, and federally we urgently need a National Integrity Commission to investigate corruption allegations,” said the Hon Stephen Charles AO QC.

“The media are constantly relied upon to unearth political misconduct. We need structural reform to ensure our corruption investigation agencies can do their job,” said Mr Watson.

“If this happened at a federal level there is no investigation agency that could independently assess the allegations,” said Mr Charles.

Available for interview: the Hon Stephen Charles AO QC and Geoffrey Watson SC