Politics
Victoria
Updated
IBAC
Woodman used 'strong-arm' tactics with property giant Leighton, IBAC told
John Woodman played hardball with his own client, developer Leighton Properties, with IBAC told he 'extorted' the company with a threat to turn Casey Council against it.
- by Clay Lucas
Latest
Editorial
Waste
More light a must in dark landfill chapter
It's essential that Brimbank City Council, the EPA and the state government commit to all necessary measures for thorough monitoring and remediation in the case of the Sunshine Landfills mess.
- The Age's View
IBAC
Casey Council chief sacked 'two to three' staff that Woodman did not like
The chief executive of Casey Council had also used Mr Woodman’s planning firm for a private subdivision in Mt Eliza the year before he started his job at the council.
- by Clay Lucas and Noel Towell
ALP
Labor minister lashes his own party's plan to win local council seats
Government minister Adem Somyurek says he will use his influence in the Labor Party to reverse its position on local government.
- by Benjamin Preiss
Exclusive
Legal industry
Crossbench MPs facing intense lobbying ahead of class action vote
Lawyers and business groups have been intensely lobbying a small number of state MPs ahead of a vote on 'game changing' reforms to legal class actions in Victoria.
- by Tammy Mills and Noel Towell
IBAC
Treasurer says he did nothing wrong in dealings with Woodman's lawyer
Tim Pallas says he acted appropriately when he 'introduced' a lawyer now at the centre of corruption allegations at Casey Council to a senior public servant in 2018.
- by Noel Towell
IBAC
Developer-funded 'community group' influenced planning system
The Victorian planning system was able to be influenced by a developer-funded “community group” to the point where the group’s arguments were cited in advice to the minister, IBAC hears.
- by Clay Lucas and Royce Millar
Local council
Greens say Labor's grassroots push is attempt to 'rig local elections'
Labor's drive for single member council wards has infuriated the Greens who say the change is bad for democracy.
- by Noel Towell and Benjamin Preiss
Updated
IBAC
Treasurer arranged introduction for Woodman's lawyer, IBAC hears
A lawyer for the controversial developer was secretly taped describing a conversation she had with Treasurer Tim Pallas, where he told her: 'Megan, we work together.'
- by Clay Lucas
Crime
New laws aimed at further crackdown on emergency worker assaults
People who assault emergency services workers will have fewer excuses to avoid jail, the government says.
- by Benjamin Preiss and Tammy Mills
IBAC
Casey developer's lawyer spoke with Premier, met Treasurer and ministers
The lawyer for controversial developer John Woodman has confirmed meeting with senior Andrews government ministers including Tim Pallas and Luke Donnellan several times to lobby them over planning issues.
- by Clay Lucas