By Angela Dorizas

 The Victorian Government will establish an anti-corruption commission under sweeping changes to the state’s public sector integrity system.

The Government will adopt the Proust Model for public sector integrity, including the creation of a Victorian Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (VIACC).

The announcement follows the release of a report by Special Commissioner Elizabeth Proust and Public Sector Standards Commissioner Peter Allen, which identified gaps in Victoria’s current integrity and anti-corruption system.

Premier John Brumby said the Proust Model provided a “commonsense roadmap”, with greater coverage and better oversight.

“Our Government is proud of its record of increasing openness and transparency in public administration in Victoria, and these reforms are the next step in our work,” he said.

The VIACC will comprise of three independent officers of the Victorian Parliament: a new Public Sector Integrity Commissioner; Director Police Integrity; and Chief Municipal Inspector.

Mr Brumby said an Integrity Coordination Board will be established to strengthen cooperation and information sharing between the VIACC and other integrity bodies. The board will comprise of the Ombudsman, the Auditor General, the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, the Director Police Integrity, the Chief Municipal Inspector, the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and a new Parliamentary Integrity Commissioner.

A new Parliamentary Committee will monitor the powers and functions of the VIACC and a new Investigations Inspector will take on the roles of the Special Investigations Monitor and will audit the operations of the new anti-corruption body.

Read the full report: Review of Victoria’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption System [PDF]

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