Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Premier responds to IBAC report with planning warning for councils

The Victorian Government has formally acknowledged the damning Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission’s (IBAC) Operation Sandon report which was tabled earlier today.

In a statement, Premier Daniel Andrews described the involvement of City of Casey councillors and corrupt development dealings as “completely unacceptable”.

“…The Government sacked the Council in 2020. However, it is clear from the report that more work must be done,” said Mr Andrews.

He said the Government will consider each of the report’s 34 recommendations and respond in due course.

“The Government has already implemented the toughest political donation laws in Australia – our reforms have drastically reduced the size of donations, and make sure Victorians know who makes and receives them in real time,” said Mr Andrews.

“These reforms are currently the subject of a legislated periodic review and the Government looks forward to receiving that report.

“The IBAC report’s 34 recommendations will be given appropriate consideration, but it is the clear position of the Government that the role of local councils in significant planning decisions should be reduced and we will have more to say on this matter.”

MAV President, Councillor David Clark said the Association would work through the planning recommendations with the sector. 

“The recommendations offer an important opportunity to improve transparency and accountability within the planning system,” he said.

“It is essential that the recommended taskforce meaningfully consult with the local government sector, particularly around recommendations to set up independent planning panels and take statutory planning powers away from councillors.”  

“With the report clearly stating that corruption risk cannot be resolved by transferring responsibility from elected councillors to a minister, it would be a travesty for the Andrews Government to use the findings to centralise planning powers within the backrooms of Spring Street,” he said.

Latest Articles