The Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has contributed to Parliament’s Integrity and Oversight Committee (IOC) hearing into the adequacy of the Independent Broad based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) legislative framework.
The IOC is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the performance of key public agencies, including IBAC.
The current inquiry is examining whether changes are needed to strengthen IBAC’s powers and processes, including definitions of corrupt conduct, thresholds for investigation, public hearings and witness protections.
Ms Benham questioned New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption Chief Executive, The Honourable John Hatzistergos AM, on the protections afforded to witnesses in ICAC hearings and the processes utilised by that agency.
Ms Benham also asked former IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich KC about operational procedures within IBAC and the legislative amendments he believes are necessary to make the body more transparent and able to deliver reports more efficiently.
The hearings form part of the Committee’s broader responsibility to assess whether Victoria’s integrity framework is keeping pace with community expectations and ensuring accountability across public institutions.
“This inquiry is an important opportunity to look closely at the framework that underpins IBAC and to ensure it is operating as effectively as possible,” Ms Benham said.
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