Victorian Premier possible focus of corruption investigation

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews took part in a fiery exchange with reporters on Wednesday as he refused to discuss reports he has been a key focus of an IBAC investigation into links between the Victorian government and the United Firefighters Union (UFU).

The Australian reports that it has spoken to sources familiar with the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) investigation believe Mr Andrew’s dealings with UFU boss Peter Marshall have been looked at as part of the investigation.

The IBAC investigation into the UFU – known as Operation Richmond – has explored the union’s dealings with the Andrews government and questioned several witnesses in secret hearings.

During some testy exchanges with journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, the Premier refused to comment on the investigation – as he did at Tuesday's press conference.

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The Australian reports that Operation Richmond was opened with little fanfare in July 2019.

It has been tasked with looking into Victoria’s fire services following the 2016 crisis over the Andrew’s government plan to boost the influence of the UFU while stripping the powers of the volunteer Country Fire Authority.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Andrews continued to refuse to address the watchdog’s probe into the fire services overhaul and the associated EBA negotiations, saying the issues involved were "five years old".