Welcome to the first edition of IBAC Insights for 2020. As I write, Victoria is operating in a state of emergency declared by our Premier in response to the coronavirus pandemic. IBAC is following the advice of the government experts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, public sector stakeholders and the community.

While most of IBAC’s staff are now working remotely, our independent oversight of Victoria Police and the public sector continues within the parameters of public health safety precautions. We continue to take complaints and notifications of alleged public sector corruption and police misconduct.

Can integrity commissions prevent the need for royal commissions? IBAC Deputy Commissioner Katie Miller argues that by focusing on prevention, integrity agencies can help change the cultures within organisations enabling corruption, thereby reducing the need to hold royal commissions.

Of the thousands of complaints and notifications that IBAC receives each year, only a select few become full investigations. The decisions which lead to an investigation start with IBAC's Assessment & Review team. Team Leader Joseph Hall gives an insider’s view on how these decisions are made.

Misuse of information held by the government and agencies can have serious consequences for community safety and public trust in government. An increased reliance on technology and use of smart devices is making it easier for people to inadvertently or deliberately misuse and disclose information held by our public sector.

Learn more about the key risks and opportunities for public sector agencies to implement safeguards in IBAC's latest research report.

A summary of IBAC statements from December 2019 to March 2020 about some of our operations and prosecutions.

Victoria's integrity system has received a significant boost following reforms to public interest disclosures – commonly referred to as whistleblower – legislation which came into effect in January. It's now easier and safer to disclose wrongdoing and misconduct in public office. New protections help people who make disclosures keep their identity confidential as well as protect them reprisals, such as getting fired or bullying.

In January, IBAC welcomed our new CEO, Marlo Baragwanath, and Deputy Commissioner David Wolf, both profiled in this issue. Ms Baragwanath and Mr Wolf provide a breadth of leadership experience to IBAC and are building on the legacy of previous executives, while also bringing fresh ideas and energy.

If you are summoned to an IBAC investigation as a witness, you are entitled to legal representation. You may use a solicitor at your own cost, or access independent legal assistance and representation at no cost to you through a statutory scheme under the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011.

On 23 January this year, Transparency International released its 2019 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) which showed Australia’s continuing decline in global ranking. Although Australia's CPI score remained stable at 77 – the same rank as last year – it is still significantly lower than its 2012 score of 85.

IBAC staff are working remotely due to COVID-19. During this time we will continue to take complaints and reports and we continue our work to prevent and expose public sector corruption and police misconduct. Any online events or webinars we are able to offer will be listed on our website.

Please note: Despite our best efforts to respond to calls or emails in a timely way, there may be some delays. We appreciate your patience.