Overview
- Greens are advancing “follow-the-money” legislation to let IBAC track public funds through private entities, with Coalition and crossbench support signaling an upper-house test soon.
- IBAC confirmed Premier Jacinta Allan’s 2024 referral was outside its jurisdiction, and her office says she was told in October 2024; she rejects claims the move was a hoax and notes referrals to police and the Fair Work Commission.
- Geoffrey Watson SC’s report, commissioned by the CFMEU administrator, alleges organised-crime infiltration, drug distribution and exploitation on sites, and estimates up to $15 billion in added costs to major projects.
- The Opposition has pledged a royal commission to pursue alleged losses if it wins in 2026, while the government has ruled that out and points to active police efforts including Operation Hawk.
- Victoria’s Ombudsman, IBAC and Auditor-General released a joint paper urging transparent, independent funding arrangements to strengthen integrity oversight.