Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:11): My question is to the Premier. Will the Premier guarantee that the corruption commission, IBAC, will not be blocked in any way from investigating past allegations of corruption merely because IBAC was unable to investigate them at the time?

The SPEAKER: I remind the Premier about pre-empting debate.

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:12): I want to be very clear so the Shadow Attorney-General can be very clear and knows exactly what we are doing here. If IBAC are yet to assess a complaint – you following? If IBAC are yet to assess a complaint –

Members interjecting.

Ben CARROLL: I am trying to give you the answer.

The SPEAKER: Order! There is no reason for members not to direct their contributions through the Chair.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, to assist the Premier, this question related to past allegations.

The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order.

Ben CARROLL: Past allegations or self-referrals – if IBAC are yet to assess a complaint they already have, it is open to IBAC to use those new powers to assess it.

 James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:13): The member for Bendigo East’s 2024 referral of serious CFMEU allegations was dismissed because IBAC lacked jurisdiction. If integrity is no longer optional, why should those allegations remain permanently blocked from IBAC’s scrutiny?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:13): Let us be very clear. We are expanding IBAC’s jurisdiction, we have also called a royal commission and we are establishing a special prosecutor to work alongside the royal commission.