The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and the Victorian Ombudsman have written to all leaders of Victorian political parties seeking recommendations for legislative change to deter the misuse of public funds.
The reforms are also aimed at strengthening the frameworks for Parliamentary accountability, particularly in relation to breaches of the Members of Parliament Code of Conduct.
Evidence heard at the recent IBAC commission Operation Watts public hearings suggests that in Victoria, some members of parliament may be misusing public resources by directing electorate officers and ministerial staff to engage in work which furthers their political objectives.
Party leaders are expected to form one input into the recommendations that will be included in the Operation Watts public report to be released next year.
Operation Watts is a coordinated investigation between IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman looking into a range of matters including allegations that Victorian public officers engaged in corrupt conduct.
While public hearings have concluded, the investigation remains ongoing.
The recommendations in the final report will seek to strengthen the controls to protect public funds from being misused and go towards restoring public confidence.