Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:17): (1463) My question is to the Special Minister of State. Minister, the Premier has announced that his changes to IBAC powers will specifically protect former premiers Andrews and Allan and him by excluding past examinations from being reconsidered under these amendments. Why does the government’s legislation prevent IBAC from investigating allegations relating to Victoria’s Big Build sites?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:18): I completely reject the false premise contained in Mr Mulholland’s question, because he just fails to acknowledge the fact that our government has established a royal commission into these very issues. There can be no higher level of scrutiny than a royal commission with sweeping powers and more terms of reference, so the premise of Mr Mulholland’s question is an absolute nonsense. He knows that he is playing politics and mischief with this issue, deliberately misleading the Parliament and the people of Victoria.

Evan Mulholland: On a point of order, President, to bring the minister back to the question, my question went to why the government’s legislation prevents IBAC from investigating serious matters relating to Victoria’s Big Build.

The PRESIDENT: The minister was relevant.

Ingrid STITT: It simply does not is the very simple answer to Mr Mulholland’s question, and he knows that.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:19): I would say it does because the 2024 letter to IBAC from former Premier Jacinta Allan specifically went through a whole range of allegations of CFMEU corruption, which would all be dismissed and prohibited under this bill. As the minister is responsible for, and I quote the Premier, ‘leading the work of the government in transparency, integrity and accountability’, is this a transparent and accountable change?

The PRESIDENT: I think that is asking for an opinion, but I will let the minister answer as she sees fit.

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:20): I want to reiterate for the benefit of those opposite that the royal commission that has been established by our government is the highest level of serious accountability that we can have. In addition to that, we are this week bringing legislation to the Parliament –

Members interjecting.

Sonja Terpstra: On a point of order, President –

The PRESIDENT: I am assuming Ms Terpstra is going to make a point of order about how she cannot hear the minister. I will uphold that point of order and ask the chamber to come to order.

Ingrid STITT: Again those opposite, either by design or because they simply do not understand how this all works, need to be reminded that the royal commission and the special prosecutor legislation which has been brought to the Parliament this week will work together with IBAC and other agencies, including VicPol, as the royal commission undertakes its important work. To suggest otherwise is to deliberately mislead about the nature and the breadth of the investigations that will happen at the royal commission.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:21): I move:

That the minister’s answers be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.