WA corruption watchdog seeks extra funding and broader powers over contractors

Michael Corboy, head of Western Australia’s Corruption and Crime Commission, told a parliamentary committee that the agency is struggling with insufficient resources and a statutory scope that only covers public servants. He argued for new powers to examine corruption allegations involving government contractors, citing recent scandals where consulting firms mishandled Commonwealth data and claims of organised-crime infiltration of service providers.

While no major infrastructure corruption cases have been reported, Corboy warned that fragmented subcontracting increases risk. He also sought expanded oversight of officers with police-like powers, such as transit and prison guards, and noted the upcoming impact of artificial-intelligence rollout on the public sector. Attorney-General Tony Buti praised the commission’s work and said he welcomes submissions on expanding its remit. The commission hopes additional funding would enable more proactive investigations and one outlet's reviews of complaints.