Welcome to the June edition of IBAC Insights. Since our last edition we have been busy working to complete a range of investigations and I have presented to a public hearing as part of the Parliamentary Integrity and Oversight Committee's (IOC) inquiry into the education and prevention functions of Victoria's integrity agencies.

Unfortunately, due to the recent COVID outbreak we were required to postpone the public hearings on Operation Esperance.  Completing investigations in a timely manner is important in order to minimise the risk that institutional failings identified in an investigation are repeated. The second half of this year, COVID permitting, will see us catch-up on this work.

By Christine Howlett, IBAC's Executive Director Prevention & Communication

IBAC has recently completed a review of its corruption prevention strategy. As reported in the October 2020 edition of IBAC Insights, our current strategy was developed in 2015 and we considered it timely to review our approach and identify opportunities to enhance our prevention and education efforts in light of changes that have occurred in the Victorian public sector and integrity system, and in IBAC's operating model, resourcing, capabilities, caseload and data holdings.

IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf and Municipal Association of Victoria CEO Kerry Thompson discuss perceptions of corruption in local government, including why they're important to understand and respond to.

Ever wondered what happens after a complaint or notification is made to IBAC? Check out our new short video explaining our assessment process, and how we decide when to refer, investigate or not proceed with a complaint.

Special report on IBAC's investigation into allegations the former CEO of a Victorian regional health service misused their position and engaged in corrupt conduct, including that they subverted procurement processes and failed to declare and manage conflicts of interest.

IBAC's Special report on corrections focuses on four finalised investigations - Operations Rous, Caparra, Nisidia and Molara - which exposed serious corruption risks in Victoria's private and publicly managed prisons including: excessive use of force; inappropriate strip-searching practices; misuse of information; inappropriate relationships; and trafficking of illegal and prohibited goods.

How have perceptions and willingness to report corruption changed over the last decade? Findings of our latest research on perceptions of corruption and integrity among Victorian public sector and local government employees are now available in two detailed research reports and a summary infographic.

As part of our prevention and education work, IBAC hosted a number of events in recent months targeted at a wide variety of stakeholders. When it comes to sharing information and insights with those working to strengthen integrity across the public sector, we make a point to host the best learning experiences we can. If you weren't able to attend, recordings of most webinars are available to watch on-demand via our website.

Our service charter explains what people can expect when they make a complaint to IBAC about public sector corruption or police misconduct. We made a number of updates to the charter earlier this month.

IBAC investigations are an important mechanism for exposing public sector corruption and police misconduct. Click through for a summary of IBAC announcements from April to June 2021 regarding our operations.

Please subscribe for alerts about upcoming events. Recordings of recent IBAC webinars are available to watch on-demand via www.ibac.vic.gov.au/events.