Since our last edition, there have been a number of significant outcomes achieved that I would like to highlight, including the release of major reports and the launch of our new, user-friendly website. No images? Click here IBAC InsightsIssue 36 | July 2023 Acting Commissioner’s messageWelcome to the July edition of IBAC Insights Since our last edition, there have been a number of significant outcomes achieved that I would like to highlight, including the release of major reports and the launch of our new, user-friendly website. Special featuresOperation DaintreeImproper influence and bypassed procurement processes in Victorian Government health worker training contract The special report on IBAC’s Operation Daintree found that in October 2018, the then Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) entered into a $1.2 million contract with the Health Education Federation (HEF) – a recently established entity linked to the Health Workers Union (HWU) – to provide occupational violence and aggression training to health workers. IBAC’s witness liaison support measuresIBAC's statutory functions are to expose and prevent serious and systemic corruption fand police misconduct. In performing these functions and given the serious nature of the matters IBAC considers, we recognise that people involved in or subject to our investigations and examinations may experience a level of stress. We have support services in place that witnesses can access throughout the investigation. However, in our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement we will always work to improve the practices that support both complainants and witnesses. Predatory behaviour continues within Victoria PoliceIn May, IBAC released a review of allegations of predatory behaviour by Victoria Police officers. Predatory behaviour is where a police officer misuses their position to begin – or attempt to begin – an emotional or sexual relationship with a person they meet in the course of their duties. It can also relate to the sexual assault, stalking, harassment, or grooming of a person. IBAC’s new websiteIBAC has launched its new, easy-to-use website, giving people improved access to more information and easier avenues to report corruption and misconduct. The new website, which was a key commitment in our Corruption Prevention Strategy 2021-24, has been developed with the needs of the community and public sector in mind. Some of the website’s key enhancements include: improved search functionality to find what you are looking for quicker, personalised homepage experience, quick links to police and public sector information, and menus and hubs for faster access to relevant information. IBAC encourages regional Victorians to report police misconductAll Victorians deserve to be treated fairly by police, regardless of your circumstances or where you live. In May, IBAC re-launched a campaign to encourage regional communities to speak out against police misconduct. The You have the right to not remain silent campaign raises awareness of IBAC's police oversight role and empowers members of the community to report suspected police misconduct or provide information anonymously. A message from IBAC CEO, Marlo BaragwanathAt the end of June, IBAC tabled its Annual Plan for 2023/24, outlining its priorities for the next 12 months, which will emphasise our oversight role of Victoria Police and continued focus on high-risk agencies within the public sector. We will focus on Victoria Police’s high-risk police units, divisions, and regions; excessive use of force and predatory behaviour; and police responses to family violence incidents. In the public sector, we look at high-risk agencies, including those managing high-value matters and improper influence. Podcast: Operation DaintreeExecutive Director Prevention and Communication Linda Timothy interviews Deputy Commissioner Kylie Kilgour about the findings of Operation Daintree. Deputy Commissioner Kilgour talks about the findings and recommendations IBAC made to reduce improper influence and misconduct in the public sector. NewsSpeak up to stop improper influenceIBAC re-launched an advertising campaign calling on public sector employees to speak up to stop improper influence. Originally released in 2022, the 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. The re-launch came before IBAC released its Operation Daintree special report, which investigated how a senior state government ministerial adviser improperly influenced the awarding of a government-funded health training contract. The investigation revealed breaches of duties and obligations of ministers, ministerial advisers, and senior public servants. This investigation was made possible by a person making an anonymous report to IBAC. This highlights how speaking up to stop corruption can lead to investigations that uncover improper behaviour, and – in other cases – could reveal corrupt conduct. IBAC’s Speak up to stop it campaign includes digital resources and materials for public sector bodies to share with colleagues, friends, and the community. If you want to anonymously report corruption, speak up to stop it today. Perceptions of corruption survey sent to MPs and councillorsIBAC launched its 2023 Perceptions of Corruption survey in May. This year members of parliament and councillors were invited to participate. The survey sought the opinions of MPs and councillors to better understand their knowledge of corruption, their perceptions about the extent of corruption, and their awareness and attitudes towards reporting corruption. Protection offered for whistleblowersWhen a complaint is made to IBAC, we decide if it is a public interest complaint (previously known as a protected disclosure or whistleblower complaint). If the disclosure is assessed as a public interest complaint, the person making the complaint will receive additional legal protections. EventsPrivacy Awareness Week (webinar)In May, IBAC’s Deputy Commissioner David Wolf joined the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) to discuss the importance of government organisations protecting private information, as part of Privacy Awareness Week. He spoke about the risks of a misuse of information, which was often underreported in the public sector. Making a complaint to IBAC (webinar)As part of Law Week in May, IBAC held a webinar to help improve public understanding of IBAC’s complaint processes and how IBAC manages a complaint. Our panel shared insights on how the agency assesses complaints and Public Interest Disclosures (PIDs). We also discussed the types of misconduct that can be reported to IBAC, how complaints are reviewed, and the special protections provided to people making a PID. IBAC’s second Law Week conversation was about our police oversight work. In this webinar, IBAC Deputy Commissioner Kylie Kilgour, Executive Director Operations Peter Morris, and Manager Investigations Christine Stafford shared their insights and explained how IBAC oversees the integrity of Victoria Police. IBAC's Investigations and legal teams discussed how we assess complaints about police, investigate cases of serious police misconduct, and review police investigations of complaints. Publications and resourcesIBAC Victorian Auditor General’s Office Western Australia CCC Street address: Level 1 North Tower 459 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Manage my subscription | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | View in browser |