Wyndham Council Under IBAC Scrutiny for Massive IT Project Waste

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Wyndham City Council, located in Melbourne’s outer south-west, has been referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) over a failed Information Technology (IT) project that reportedly cost ratepayers tens of millions. A local Member of Parliament (MP) claims the project, ballooning by nearly $70 million, was a catastrophic mismanagement of funds, sparking outrage and questions about transparency.

The scandal unfolded during a fiery parliamentary committee hearing on fraud and corruption controls in local government, where Wyndham City Council faced intense scrutiny. An MP described the IT project’s cost overrun as “tens of millions flushed down the toilet,” highlighting a lack of accountability in how ratepayer funds were spent. The project, reportedly involving Oracle software, spiraled far beyond its initial budget, with little to show for it. “Where was the public disclosure?” the MP demanded, pressing council representatives on why such a significant failure went unreported. Council CEO Stephen Wall insisted there was a clear business case and tender process, claiming the current IT system is now a success, but critics remain unconvinced, pointing to the absence of transparent reporting.

Residents are furious, with many unaware of the debacle until the referral hit headlines. One ratepayer expressed shock on social media, calling the council’s actions incompetent and demanding answers. The referral to IBAC, Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog, doesn’t guarantee an investigation, but it intensifies pressure on the council to justify its financial oversight. Councillor Gilligan deflected criticism by noting state government projects also face cost overruns, but this did little to quell public frustration. The committee’s full report, due in November, is expected to shed more light on the extent of the mismanagement.

Wyndham City Council, serving a rapidly growing population of over 300,000, has been under fire for other financial decisions, including diverting $24.4 million in developer contributions from Point Cook to other areas. Critics, like resident Dwayne Kelly, argue this erodes trust, especially when basic infrastructure remains underfunded. Mayor Mia Shaw defends the council’s focus on regional projects, but the IBAC referral underscores a broader pattern of questionable governance. As ratepayers demand accountability, the council’s handling of this IT fiasco will test its credibility and commitment to responsible stewardship.