Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Motions

Integrity agency funding

Debate resumed.

Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (12:53): As I was saying before the interruption, according to anti-corruption commissioner Mr Redlich, whether answers would prejudice IBAC is a matter for IBAC, not a matter for the chair of the committee. Ms Shing’s actions have left many Victorians, including me, questioning and wondering what this government is not disclosing. Frankly, in my view her actions do not display the basic principles of transparent and accountable government. Is the Premier under investigation for corruption? Why is Ms Shing taking it upon herself to act as his private public relations officer? I do not know.

There is also a question of whether Ms Shing has a conflict of interest, be it actual, potential, perceived or otherwise, given her relationship with the Premier’s chief of staff, and whether that relationship could improperly influence decisions or actions in her role as chair. All conflicts must be declared and managed appropriately. When conflicts are not declared and appropriately managed, it can lead to a lack of trust and undermine confidence.

This blocking of questions occurred concurrently with the Victorian Ombudsman’s inquiry into the politicisation of the Victorian public service and three IBAC investigations into the Andrews Labor government: Operation Watts, Operation Sandon and Operation Richmond. Ms Shing’s federal colleagues are pushing for a federal ICAC, which is needed, but at a state level members of the Labor Party could not be more opposite. They seem much more interested in doing all they can not to be accountable and transparent. The Victorian community would expect the chair of an integrity and oversight committee to act with integrity. They would expect someone who upholds principles of transparency and accountability, someone who welcomes questions and answers as part of a functioning democracy. They would also expect any conflicts to be declared. The Andrews Labor government do not like to answer questions. The only reason questions were asked at the Integrity and Oversight Committee is the Premier himself refuses to give Victorians, those he is responsible for as their leader, the answers they deserve.

This leaves us concerned about the ability of IBAC and the Ombudsman to conduct their inquiries. There is a history of underfunding. In a statement from 2021 the commissioner clearly stated that all budget allocations did not meet the commissioner’s full request. IBAC needs enough funding to carry out its objectives to investigate corruption in this state, as does the Ombudsman. It is needed now more than ever. I support Mr Davis’s motion to take note of Ms Shing’s behaviour and call on the government to provide an immediate injection of funds into IBAC and the Ombudsman to ensure these inquiries are completed before the November state election.

Mr RICH-PHILLIPS (South Eastern Metropolitan) (12:57): I move:

That debate on this motion be adjourned until later this day.

Motion agreed to and debate adjourned until later this day.

Sitting suspended 12.57 pm until 2.04 pm.