By Belinda Nolan
BRIMBANK residents have claimed a major victory after the State Government announced plans to establish an anti-corruption commission, in a major shake-up of Victoria’s corruption bodies.
In a major backflip, Premier John Brumby last week announced the establishment of a new Victorian Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (VIACC), to investigate allegations of serious misconduct and corruption in councils and the public sector.
The move has been welcomed by the Brimbank community, which is calling for the commission to re-investigate the municipality, in a bid to root out further scandal.
Under the new system, a parliamentary integrity commissioner will have the power to investigate the conduct of MPs and their employees, meaning more heads could be on the chopping block if Brimbank residents get their way.
Keilor Residents and Ratepayers Association president Susan Jennison said residents were concerned the Ombudsman’s report into Brimbank Council was the tip of the iceberg and said further investigation was needed.
“What happened with the Ombudsman’s report simply did not go far enough,” Ms Jennison said.
“Look at how much the Ombudsman found in six months.
“How much more could be uncovered if there was a serious investigation by a broad-based, independent corruption commission.”
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association president Darlene Reilly said residents would be pushing for the commission to re-open the Ombudsman’s investigation into Brimbank.
“The commission needs to be retrospective because the allegations in the Ombudsman’s report need to be re-visited,” Ms Reilly said.
“There were things which were touched on in the report regarding the conduct of MPs which could not be investigated at the time and I think all that needs to be re-opened and it needs to be done soon.”
The move has also been welcomed by former Brimbank councillors after it was revealed the Ombudsman’s powers would be re-examined.
The State Government is considering modernising the Ombudsman’s Act to make it fairer for those being investigated, including giving them a right of reply.
Former Brimbank Mayor Natalie Suleyman said she welcomed the changes.
“Serious concerns have been identified with regard to the conduct of the Ombudsman’s office and I believe there needs to be an investigation into these allegations,” Ms Suleyman said.
The announcement was made following a review of the state’s corruption bodies by Special Commissioner Elizabeth Proust, who recommended the establishment of a VIACC.
