Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog to get follow-the-money powers

The Victorian government has announced the state's anti-corruption watchdog will receive follow-the-money powers. The change will allow IBAC to pursue taxpayer funds through subcontracting arrangements and labour-hire companies. IBAC itself had called for the strengthened powers. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced follow-the-money powers for the state's anti-corruption watchdog. The change will allow the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) to pursue taxpayer funds through subcontracting arrangements and labour-hire companies, such as those on construction sites. IBAC had itself called for the strengthened powers, as had the parliament's integrity and oversight committee. "[These are] the most far-reaching overhaul of IBAC's powers since it was established in 2012," Ms Allan said at a press conference on Monday afternoon. "It will see IBAC as a fit-for-purpose agency as part of an integrity system here in Victoria." Ms Allan has repeatedly battled scrutiny over Victoria's Big Build program, which has been infiltrated by bikies and dogged by corruption.