Premier Daniel Andrews has batted away questions about a watchdog investigation into dealings between the state government and the firefighters’ union.
The Age reported on Wednesday that a leaked search warrant confirmed the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission spent more than two years investigating “suspected corrupt conduct”.
Witnesses were reportedly released from their legal responsibility to remain silent.
That would mean people being investigated are now under no legal obligation to refuse to answer questions.
But the premier, who has repeatedly declined to comment on the probe, on Wednesday again refused to answer questions.
“If you want to know who IBAC has spoken to, what they’ve spoken about, any of their business, then you need to go and speak to IBAC,” he told reporters.
“I’m not answering questions on matters that may or may not be active. That’s always been my position.”
IBAC is wrapping up its probe into Mr Andrews and a senior public servant’s conduct linked to an industrial battle with the United Firefighters Union.
The deal led to the merging of Melbourne Fire Brigade members and the Country Fire Authority’s career firefighters into the new Fire Rescue Victoria, with the commission initially examining the union’s role in the plan.
The commission has also questioned whether Mr Andrews was transparent in advising the public and his cabinet about his dealings with the UFU.
The industrial dispute involved a new pay deal for paid firefighters, with the union seeking additional conditions and protections.
The deal was criticised for its impact on CFA volunteers, who claimed resources had been slashed and the union, led by Peter Marshall, given too much authority.
The Herald Sun revealed the premier met secretly with Mr Marshall in 2016, further fanning claims the government was benefiting politically with the help of thxjmtzywe union.
A warrant, which was leaked, gave IBAC the power to search any premises relevant to the investigation, as well as the union’s headquarters to seize documents and items belonging to Mr Marshall and union industrial officer Laura Campanaro.
There is no suggestion the premier, Mr Marshall or Ms Campanaro engaged in corruption.
The Victorian opposition on Wednesday called on the premier to reveal his involvement in the investigation.
Shadow police minister Brad Battin demanded Mr Andrews address what evidence he provided to the investigation.
He called for the premier to reveal whether anyone from his office had been questioned and any accusations of impropriety.
“The veil of secrecy must be lifted in relation to the deals between the firefighters’ union and the Andrews government, Daniel Andrews needs to come clean,” Mr Battin said.
“We can’t continue the corruption here in Victoria.”
