Rachel intended to speak in support of a motion to require a committee inquiry into funding for the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), the Ombudsman and Integrity Oversight Victoria. An inquiry into the efficacy of IBAC determined that additional resources are required to apply an expansion of powers to investigate corrupt conduct. This inquiry would determine budgetary requirements for these regulatory bodies’ ahead of the 2026-27 State Budget.
While Rachel did not get the chance to speak in the Legislative Council chamber, her intended speech is provided, below.
Wednesday the 4th of March, 2026
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
I rise to speak in support of motion 1305, in Mr Davis’ name.
This motion requires the Integrity and Oversight Committee to inquire into, consider and report, as soon as practicable, on the adequacy of the annual budget for the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, the Ombudsman and Integrity Oversight Victoria.
The motion also requires the Committee in undertaking and reporting on this inquiry to hold public hearings with these agencies, provide advice on what settings are appropriate for the funding of these agencies in the 2026–27 State Budget and provide advice on the likely consequences if the funding provided by the government is inadequate.
There has been a lot of talk recently about what legislative changes are needed for our integrity bodies to ensure they can properly fulfil their roles.
As a member of the Integrity and Oversight Committee, I have been privy to these discussions, many of which have been had over the course of our inquiry into the Adequacy of the Legislative Framework for the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
The final report from this inquiry recommended a number of important changes to IBAC’s legislative framework, including expanding its jurisdiction through changes to the definition of corrupt conduct and removal of the relevant offence requirement.
These changes are critical to capturing grey corruption – the kind of behaviour that may fall short of a criminal offence but still represents a lack of integrity and is worthy of investigation.
But these changes cannot happen in isolation. More powers to investigate more corrupt conduct must be accompanied by more resources to effectively use those powers.
In Integrity and Oversight Hearings earlier this week I asked the IBAC Commissioner about the consequences of a broader definition of corrupt conduct, particularly if it were to have a retrospective application.
The Commissioner rightly pointed out that additional resources are critical for any such changes to be effective.
This government must act on integrity, reform these laws, and fund Victoria’s integrity agencies appropriately.
If it takes a short sharp inquiry like the one put forward in this motion to make this happen, then that is what we will do.
Thank you.
Related:
- Transparency needed on police oversight in Victoria – Rachel Payne
- Governance and Integrity Bill Local Government Amendment 2024 – Rachel Payne
- Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Others Matters) Bill 2023 – Rachel Payne
