# Victorian political reforms and election challenges > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/victorian-political-reforms-and-election-challenges > Updated: 2026-09-18T02:23:26.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is navigating political challenges involving anti-corruption reforms and an upcoming state election. The government proposed the IBAC Amendment Bill 2026 to grant the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission ‘follow-the-money’ powers and expand its oversight to include private subcontractors on government projects. This legislation has drawn criticism from the Opposition and the Greens, who argue that amendments may prevent investigations into past allegations related to the ‘Big Build’ infrastructure program and organized crime. As the November state election approaches, Premier Carroll is attempting to distance his leadership from previous administrations through initiatives such as a royal commission into the construction sector. Political competition is intensifying, with upcoming public forums featuring Carroll and Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as the government faces rising voter resentment in outer suburbs. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Ben Carroll faces steep reelection climb in Victoria Victorian Premier Ben Carroll prepares for a difficult November election, highlighted by an upcoming Melbourne Assembly forum featuring Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Jess Wilson. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ben-carroll-faces-steep-reelection-climb-in-victoria ### 2026-09-08: Victoria introduces IBAC reforms amid Big Build corruption concerns Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is introducing IBAC reforms to expand anti-corruption powers, despite opposition claims the bill protects past officials from investigating Big Build infrastructure projects. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/victoria-introduces-ibac-reforms-amid-big-build-corruption-concerns --- Cite as: Victorian political reforms and election challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/victorian-political-reforms-and-election-challenges