No images? Click here
IBAC Insights
Issue 35 | March 2023
Acting Commissioner’s message
Welcome to the March edition of IBAC Insights and my first edition as Acting IBAC Commissioner.
It has been a privilege to step into the shoes of our previous Commissioner, Robert Redlich AM, KC. Commissioner Redlich was an advocate for integrity in the public sector and Victoria Police, and for the role prevention and education plays in achieving this.
Since my appointment as Acting Commissioner in December 2022, IBAC has been busy finalising significant investigations and publishing two key reports. I would like to acknowledge the work of our dedicated teams here at IBAC and the courage of the community for reporting corruption and misconduct.
Special features
IBAC special report highlights improper conduct by former Victorian Government minister
In January 2020, IBAC commenced Operation Clara to determine if former Victorian Government Minister, Theo Theophanous, misused his public position on the board of the Victorian Planning Authority to favour the Australian Education City consortium in their East Werribee project proposal, or attempted to improperly influence public officers involved in the project.
IBAC's 2022 activities in overseeing Victoria Police
IBAC is Victoria's independent body responsible for preventing and exposing police misconduct. Our role is an important part of Victoria's police oversight system and helps the community have confidence that police will act fairly, impartially and in accordance with the law. We've published a snapshot of IBAC's independent oversight of Victoria Police from 1 January – 31 December 2022.
IBAC research identifies corruption drivers for major infrastructure projects in Victoria
IBAC's research report Corruption risks associated with major transport infrastructure projects has identified several corruption risks that could affect major infrastructure projects in Victoria during procurement and construction. The research report also provides a range of strategies to help detect and prevent corruption.
Speak up to stop improper influence
IBAC has re-launched an advertising campaign calling on public sector employees to speak up to stop improper influence.
First released in June 2022, IBAC's Speak up to stop it campaign highlights that any public sector employee, elected or not, is at risk of being improperly influenced – and that it can lead to corruption. This year's campaign is all about promoting useful education materials and resources for public sector organisations to share internally so everyone is aware of the risks of improper influence.
News
Podcast on IBAC's Operation Clara special report
IBAC Prevention and Communication Executive Director Linda Timothy speaks to Deputy Commissioner David Wolf about the Operation Clara special report in this podcast. They dive into the key findings, the importance of ensuring lobbying activities are fair and transparent, why declaring conflicts of interest is imperative for members of government boards, and the recommendations from the special report.
Recent events
Supporting the LGBTIQ+ community at the Midsumma Carnival
In January IBAC held a stall at the Midsumma Carnival – the glittery, colourful, and entertainment-filled kick off to the LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural festival. IBAC representatives spoke to many Victorians over the day, ranging from those who had never heard of IBAC, to people who asked detailed questions about our role, what constituted corruption and misconduct, and how to report it.
Perceptions of corruption in Victoria (webinar)
In 2022, IBAC surveyed more than 12,000 people across the Victorian community, state and local government employees, Victoria Police employees, and business suppliers who work with the public sector to find out what they thought about the prevalence of public sector corruption and police misconduct in Victoria. This online webinar explores key findings and trends that help inform corruption prevention efforts.
Victorian Local Government podcast about IBAC's report on Corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying
IBAC's Deputy Commissioner David Wolf speaks to VLGA Connect podcast host Chris Eddy about the findings of IBAC's Corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying report and Victorian perceptions of corruption 2022 survey results.
Publications and resources
- Operation Clara special report and associated communication products
- Victoria Police oversight infographic 2022
- Corruption risks associated with major transport infrastructure projects research report and associated communication products
- About IBAC, our police oversight role and reporting misconduct (Auslan videos)
- Publications from other agencies
Street address: Level 1 North Tower 459 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal address: GPO Box 24234 Melbourne VIC 3001
T: 1300 735 135
ABN 37 978 651 307