Victoria, Australia, expands anti-corruption commission's powers to investigate public sector misconduct

On the final sitting day before the November election, Victoria's parliament passed a bill granting the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) broader powers to investigate corruption. The legislation, which cleared both houses on Thursday, expands the definition of corrupt conduct to include serious disciplinary matters and allows IBAC to trace public money given to non-government bodies. The reforms were championed by Greens MP Tim Read, who died just days before the bill passed. Premier Ben Carroll said the new powers will help clamp down on corruption and ensure transparency in Victoria.