The Victorian government is mulling a request from three integrity agencies to take the politics out of their funding by having it set by an independent body.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption (IBAC), Victorian Ombudsman and Victorian Auditor-General's Office on Tuesday jointly released an evidence paper to call for greater financial independence, ahead of the November 26 state election.
Its key recommendation is for a new independent statutory commission or tribunal to be established to consider the agencies' funding, similar to a body that sets pay for MPs, public sector executives and local government councillors.
"The intention is to remove the politics from the debate, so that governments of whatever stripe cannot be accused, fairly or otherwise, of interfering with the independence of those agencies whose job it is to hold them to account," the paper's foreword read.
IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich and Ombudsman Deborah Glass complained about operational constraints stemming from their budget funding in 2020 while jointly probing branch stacking within Victorian Labor.
Funding for Victorian integrity agencies is set annually under the budget, with the figures developed and finalised by the treasurer with support from the Department of Treasury and Finance.
In the 20-page paper, the watchdogs said the model does not give them sufficient certainty about resources for the current or upcoming years.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said the Andrews government is reviewing the agencies' proposal, including seeking advice from relevant government departments.
"It's appropriate that this proposal is considered in the context of next year's budget," he said.
Shadow Attorney-General Michael O'Brien said the coalition would consider the recommendations if it wins next month's election.
"We are unequivocally committed to improving integrity in government and ensuring Victoria's integrity agencies are strengthened and properly resourced," he said.