Victoria moves to expand definition of ‘corruption’ before state election
Guardian AU
•Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:25:26 GMT
📰 What Happened
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has committed to changing the legal definition of 'corruption' before the state election, in a move that will expand the jurisdiction of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (Ibac). He also said he was 'very close' to releasing the terms of reference for a royal commission into the construction sector, which could happen within days. Parliament will sit for additional days to pass the Ibac legislation and establish a special prosecutor working in parallel with the royal commission's investigation.
🔍 The Backstory
A former Ibac head welcomed the change, saying it could have captured the conduct of senior government figures had it been in place earlier. The moves come as Victoria heads into a state election with integrity and construction-sector issues firmly in the spotlight.
🎯 Why It Matters
Expanding the definition of corruption could significantly broaden the conduct Ibac can investigate and make corrupt findings against, strengthening anti-corruption oversight. It also signals how the government is positioning itself on integrity in the run-up to the November election.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has committed to changing the legal definition of 'corruption' before the state election, in a move that will expand the jurisdiction of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (Ibac). He also said he was 'very close' to releasing the terms of reference for a royal commission into the construction sector, which could happen within days. Parliament will sit for additional days to pass the Ibac legislation and establish a special prosecutor working in parallel with the royal commission's investigation.
A former Ibac head welcomed the change, saying it could have captured the conduct of senior government figures had it been in place earlier. The moves come as Victoria heads into a state election with integrity and construction-sector issues firmly in the spotlight.
Expanding the definition of corruption could significantly broaden the conduct Ibac can investigate and make corrupt findings against, strengthening anti-corruption oversight. It also signals how the government is positioning itself on integrity in the run-up to the November election.