The upcoming Victorian election could be the last without caps on campaign spending, with the state integrity agency calling for an overhaul of donation and lobbying laws.
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Six weeks out from election day, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has warned of a lack of transparency and accountability on donations and lobbying.
IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich flagged gaps in the state's donation regulations, with investigations in other states highlighting weaknesses in Victoria's framework.
"These are matters which can erode public trust," he wrote in a special report, tabled in state parliament on Wednesday.
Victoria is one of three Australian states without a cap on electoral campaign spending at the state government level, although moved to limit individual donations to $4320 across a single term after the 2018 state election.
Four years on, IBAC wants a cap on campaign expenditure at the state and local government levels to be explored, along with the amount that can be charged to attend a political fundraiser and mandatory real-time disclosures.
The watchdog does not detail how a cap should operate, instead asking the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department for Jobs, Precincts and Regions to identify a "best practice model".
In response, Premier Daniel Andrews committed to adding the updated donation law recommendations to terms of reference for an independent expert panel review on the 2018 electoral reforms.
The review will take place after the November 26 poll and will specifically consider and make recommendations on whether to include a political expenditure cap as part of the Electoral Act.
IBAC's lobbying reform recommendations were supported in principle, with Labor vowing to work on their implementation in the next term if re-elected.
The warning came as it emerged independent MP Russell Northe, who left the Nationals in 2017 amid personal issues, has been charged by IBAC with public office misconduct.
The retiring member for Morwell is scheduled to face La Trobe Valley Magistrates Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Party campaign has been thrown into further disarray, with the party's in-house lawyer Chandra Lloyd resigning after outlining concerns with the operation of the secretariat under state director Sam McQuestin.
At the same time, the party is facing fresh Victorian Electoral Commission inquiries over its "Ditch Dan" donations drive and complaints about sending out postal voting application forms, which could be illegal under recent legislative changes.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy confirmed Ms Lloyd's resignation but denied the party had breached electoral laws in its campaign activities.
"There is nothing wrong or illegal about sending out a postal vote application," he told reporters at Officer South.
Back in Melbourne, mining magnate Clive Palmer announced former Liberal-turned-independent MP Geoff Shaw would lead his United Australia Party at the upcoming poll.
Mr Shaw served as the state member for Frankston from 2010 to 2014 and was suspended by parliament for misusing his taxpayer-funded car after threatening to bring down the Napthine government.
The UAP plans to run candidates in all eight upper house seats, with Mr Shaw on the ballot for the district of Northern Victoria.
On the back of Ralph Babet securing the final Victorian Senate spot in May, Mr Palmer believes the party can pick up several seats but will have to contend with the state's strict donation cap.
"Dan Andrews has rigged things ... I'll be donating $4250," he said.
Australian Associated Press
