Victoria introduces IBAC reforms amid Big Build corruption concerns

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is set to introduce the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) Amendment Bill 2026 to Parliament. The proposed reforms aim to grant IBAC long-awaited ‘follow-the-money’ powers and expand the definition of corrupt conduct to include the actions of private and third-party subcontractors on government projects.

However, the legislation has faced intense criticism from the Opposition and the Greens. Critics argue that a late amendment to the bill prevents the commission from investigating past allegations regarding the ‘Big Build’—a massive state infrastructure program involving over 130 train and road projects. Specifically, the changes may block investigations into organized crime allegations previously referred to IBAC concerning these construction sites.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson accused the Labor government of protecting predecessors and failing to address potential corruption involving the CFMEU. Meanwhile, Premier Carroll noted that while the current threshold for holding public hearings remains high to protect individuals from the pressure of investigations, lowering that threshold is ‘on the agenda’ for future consideration.