Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is set for a significant transformation following the release of a major review. The long-awaited report, tabled in the state's parliament, calls for sweeping changes to strengthen the watchdog's ability to investigate and expose misconduct.
Core Recommendations for a Stronger Watchdog
The review, led by former Court of Appeal president Chris Maxwell AC and barrister Kathleen Foley SC, delivered a suite of 38 recommendations. At the heart of the proposed reforms is a call to broaden the legal definition of 'corrupt conduct'. The current definition is considered by many experts to be too narrow, potentially limiting IBAC's scope.
The report argues that the definition should be expanded to include a wider range of serious misconduct. This could encompass actions that breach public trust, even if they do not meet the strict current threshold of constituting a criminal offence. The goal is to ensure the watchdog can effectively tackle systemic integrity failures and unethical behaviour within the public sector.
Other key recommendations include measures to enhance IBAC's investigative powers and improve its oversight mechanisms. The review also suggests reforms to ensure greater transparency in the watchdog's operations while balancing the need for confidentiality during sensitive investigations.
Political Response and Implementation Timeline
The Victorian government, led by Premier Jacinta Allan, has officially received the report. In a statement, the government indicated it would carefully consider all 38 recommendations and provide a formal response at a later date. The review's findings are now subject to parliamentary scrutiny and public debate.
Integrity advocates and opposition parties have long called for an overhaul of the state's anti-corruption framework. They argue that a more robust IBAC is essential for maintaining public confidence in government institutions. The government now faces pressure to implement the reforms swiftly to address these concerns.
The review process itself was a substantial undertaking, reflecting the complexity of designing effective integrity institutions. Its recommendations are poised to shape the future landscape of accountability and governance in Victoria for years to come.
Implications for Public Sector Integrity
If adopted, the proposed changes would represent the most significant reform of Victoria's anti-corruption body since its establishment. A broader definition of corrupt conduct would empower IBAC to initiate investigations into a more diverse array of allegations concerning politicians and public officials.
This potential shift aims to close perceived loopholes and ensure that serious unethical behaviour does not escape scrutiny due to technical legal definitions. The overarching intent is to foster a stronger culture of integrity and deter misconduct before it occurs.
The final report, dated December 2025, now sits with the government as a blueprint for potential legislative change. The coming months will be critical in determining how many of the expert recommendations are translated into law and how Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog evolves to meet contemporary challenges.
