Squad will carry bazookas, bombs by: Grant McArthur, Ashley Gardiner From: Herald Sun December 09, 2011 12:00AM
VICTORIA'S corruption busters will be able to be armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, tear gas cannons and even bazookas for "heavy-duty operations". The rules of engagement set out by the State Government for the new Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission allow its officers to be armed with all Category E weapons, underlining the no-holds-barred approach.
As the IBAC legislation entered State Parliament yesterday, the Government declined to comment on the extent of the arsenal provided to the force.
But sources close to the soon-to-be-established commission confirmed the squad could be armed to the hilt for "heavy-duty operations" that may include investigations involving rogue cops in league with organised criminals, bikies and terrorists, where it was not appropriate for police officers to be involved.
"They are there to be used," the source said.
"It is basically to ensure IBAC is not outgunned; it's a demonstration of how serious we are."
The squad will have access to the most powerful weapons only under special circumstances, which must be signed off by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
The minister in charge of IBAC, Andrew McIntosh, said weapons would be used only when considered necessary for an investigation, or to ensure the safety of an investigator.
"All of these powers are necessary and reasonable," he said.
Legislation was introduced on the last day of Parliament for the year, meeting the Government's self-imposed deadline by hours.
"We make no apology for taking time to get the model right," Mr McIntosh said.
Victoria's 250,000 public sector employees will be under the watch of IBAC, including police, judges, MPs and staff, local councillors and the Governor.
It will investigate criminal misconduct including bribery, theft, fraud, document destruction and misuse of information.
"If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear," Mr McIntosh said.
It was expected IBAC would be operating by the middle of next year.
Opposition spokeswoman Jill Hennessy said the commissioner could report directly to the minister without a public report.
"The Bill is unlikely to shine a light on any dodgy activities by politicians," Ms Hennessy said.
