THE Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) yesterday referred its Matthew Guy/Mitch Catlin investigation to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) for further investigation.

Electoral Commissioner, Warwick Gately, said the VEC had exhausted its attempts to fully investigate what may constitute a breach of Victoria’s funding and disclosure laws under section 218B of the Electoral Act 2002 (Vic) (the Act).

"We became aware of suggestions that Mr Catlin was alleged to have tried to circumvent donation disclosure laws," Mr Gately said.

"It’s my responsibility to ensure compliance with all electoral laws and ensure all participants are held to the same standard.

Despite public statements to the contrary, the VEC says it has not received full cooperation from those connected to its investigation.

While the VEC is not in a position to allege wrongdoing based on the allegations it has sought to investigate, the possibility of offences against the Act—including under section 218B—have also not been able to be discounted.

The VEC will provide no further comment on this case now that it has been referred to IBAC.