Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:07): (1461) My question is to the Special Minister of State. Recently it was revealed that the government would block IBAC from investigating corruption matters it had already investigated, decided not to investigate or referred to another agency, including because it did not have the relevant powers at the time. Make no mistake, this is a ban on IBAC using any new powers to investigate 12 years of corrupt behaviour by this government. Why under these new rules would IBAC be prohibited from choosing its new follow-the-money powers to further investigate former Premier Jacinta Allan’s infamous IBAC referral letter of July 2024, to which IBAC replied that it did not have the powers to investigate these very serious examples of CFMEU corruption?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:08): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question, and I have to say that the opposition seem to be the only people who cannot grasp the seriousness and the broad remit of the –

Renee Heath: On a point of order, President, I believe the minister is reflecting on the opposition, and I ask you to bring her back to the question.

The PRESIDENT: The minister has only just started.

Ingrid STITT: I think in my answer I am reflecting on the premise of the question because the point needs to be made that those opposite do not seem to understand the significance of the royal commission that has been established and that will have broad, sweeping powers to look into these very matters. The other issues of course that are at play here are the ways in which the special prosecutor will work alongside the royal commission and that referrals may be made to IBAC and to VicPol to investigate matters which the royal commission has been established to get to the bottom of.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! Mrs McArthur, please.

Ingrid STITT: On a point of order, President, I am finding it quite difficult to hear my own words.

The PRESIDENT: Yes, can I call the house to order, please.

Ingrid STITT: The other issue that is incredibly important to note is that expanding these powers, as proposed by the bill that will make its way to the Legislative Council in due course, represents the most significant expansion of IBAC’s powers in many, many years. It will give IBAC the ability to follow the money. These are changes that they have been calling for for some time. It will also expand the definition of ‘corrupt conduct’. These are important changes, and there are a range –

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order, please. It is a bit unfair to ask a question and then start shouting down the minister when she is answering. I call the house to order. I call for order on all sides of the chamber.

Ingrid STITT: The other important fact to note is that IBAC have very broad powers and discretion to investigate matters as they see fit. There are also a range of ways in which matters can be investigated retrospectively, including if IBAC receives a new complaint or additional information in relation to a matter that may have already been the subject of an investigation. I want to acknowledge the work of the expert reference group in helping the government to develop –

Members interjecting.

David Ettershank: On a point of order, President, I am listening with interest to the minister, but due to interjections from both sides of the house I cannot make out anything she is saying, to be honest.

The PRESIDENT: I uphold the point of order. Please, all sides of the chamber, the minister needs to be heard.

Ingrid STITT: I was just in the process of acknowledging the work and the constructive way in which IBAC and other integrity agencies have worked with the government, through the expert reference group, to help develop the provisions of the bill that will make its way to our chamber in due course. But we know there is more reform work to do, and that is why there will be a second tranche of reforms that the government will bring next year. These are all important changes to the ability of IBAC to get to the bottom of any corrupt allegations aired.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:12): My supplementary: Minister, the opposition recently referred allegations to IBAC that then transport infrastructure minister Jacinta Allan’s office pressured contractors to install crime figures onto Big Build worksites. Why does the government’s bill prohibit IBAC from being able to investigate these very serious whistleblower allegations?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:13): I thank Mr Mulholland for his supplementary question. I will not be drawn on individual scenarios and hypothetical positions –

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Maybe do not ask the minister a question if you do not want to hear her.

Ingrid STITT: IBAC are an independent statutory authority, and it is not for anybody in this place to dictate to them what they should or should not investigate. Further to that, we have called and established a royal commission with broad terms of reference. They are charged with getting to the bottom of these matters, and that work is continuing at pace.