IBAC Insights (newsletter)

The head of the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) has written to all Victorian political parties ahead of November’s state election with a fresh warning about the corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying.

The letter from IBAC Commissioner, the Honourable Robert Redlich AM, KC, said serious corruption risks could arise during the pre-election period and highlighted the Victorian community’s expectations for both elected officials and candidates to act with integrity, and make decisions free from bias, collusion and favouritism.

“Individual candidates and political parties attract supporters from specific community interest groups and retain them by building strong relationships and crafting policies to align with their supporters’ interests.

“However, donations and lobbying can be used to gain privileged access to decision-makers within a party by elevating a donor’s or lobbyist’s profile.”

The letter outlines that when candidates and political parties actively solicit donations through fundraising activities, requests for in-kind support, direct payments or through associated entities - this has the potential to compromise them, once elected.

In 2018, Victoria introduced new rules on political donations aimed at increasing transparency and protecting against improper influence in political decision making. The upcoming election will be the first true test of these reforms.

“It is essential for candidates to remain vigilant and be aware of the approaches that can be used by people and organisations, either from the public or private sector, to improperly influence decisions through lobbying, pressure, favours and gifts,” Commissioner Redlich said.

“Candidates must be able to recognise this as corruption.”

The letter also reminds candidates that while complaints of alleged corruption or misconduct could still be made by them to IBAC in the lead-up to an election, it was not appropriate to misuse IBAC’s complaints process and publicise any complaints for the purpose of political gains.

“The public airing of unsubstantiated allegations may adversely affect IBAC’s ability to investigate a complaint, compromise the fair hearing of individuals and damage the reputation of a person alleged to have engaged in corrupt conduct.

“There is also a risk that publicising unsubstantiated allegations will be perceived as being motivated by political gain.

“All complaints made to IBAC are assessed in line with the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Act 2011 and it is important to allow this process to occur,” Commissioner Redlich said.

Media contact: media@ibac.vic.gov.au or 0427 480 840