Too little, too late on big build corruption

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says Premier Jacinta Allan's latest announcement on anti-corruption reforms is a clear case of too little, too late.

For years, Victorians have watched allegations of criminal activity, intimidation and corruption emerge from government-funded Big Build projects, while the Allan Labor Government failed to act.

Now, after mounting pressure, led by The Liberals and the Nationals and growing scrutiny over the CFMEU scandal, the Premier has announced reforms that will not be implemented before Victorians head to the polls.

Mr McCurdy said Victorians have every right to question why the Government continues to delay action when serious concerns have been known for years.

"Victorians are being asked to trust a government that ignored repeated warnings and then blocked efforts to strengthen IBAC's powers when it mattered most," Mr McCurdy said.

"The Premier is now talking about reforms that won't take effect for at least another 18 months. That's not leadership, that's damage control."

Mr McCurdy said revelations that IBAC could not investigate the Premier's 2024 referral because it lacked the necessary powers only reinforce concerns about the Government's handling of the scandal.

"The Government knew there were gaps in the system, knew IBAC was calling for stronger powers, and still failed to act," he said.

"Victorians deserve answers before the election, not years after it. They deserve to know where taxpayer money has gone and whether every dollar has been properly accounted for.

Mr McCurdy said restoring public confidence requires immediate action, genuine transparency and a willingness to uncover the full extent of any wrongdoing.

"After years of inaction, Victorians are entitled to ask why this Government only seems interested in accountability when it finds itself under pressure."