No images? Click here IBAC InsightsIssue 40 | August 2024 Commissioner's messageWelcome to the August edition of IBAC Insights It has been another busy period since our last edition. While our investigations and special reports often gain the most attention, a lot of important work happens as part of our prevention and education role. Preventing corruption is an essential part of IBAC’s work; and our teams have been busy engaging with stakeholders and sharing insights and information about important integrity issues. With Victorian local government elections coming up in October, we have been running regional forums on corruption risks in local government and public interest disclosures. I encourage you to read IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf’s piece on local government integrity issues in this edition. It discusses IBAC’s role in preventing public sector corruption, why the corruption risks identified in Operation Sandon are relevant to all local councils and highlights the importance of prioritising integrity in all aspects of an organisation’s culture. IBAC podcastFocused Police Complaints PilotFrom October 2023-April 2024, IBAC piloted a dedicated team to assess and investigate single incident complaints from members of communities at a higher risk of experiencing police misconduct. Learn more about the Focused Police Complaints Pilot in our latest edition of the IBAC podcast. Special featureThe cost of corruption: Recognising and mitigating corruption risks in local governmentby IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf Victoria’s local government sector is large, diverse and incredibly important for its respective communities. While working towards similar goals, each council faces different challenges and has varying levels of resources and capacity to meet community needs. Given the resources and responsibilities entrusted to councils, it is important they develop, implement and maintain robust integrity frameworks and continuously improve their capacity to identify and prevent corrupt conduct. This is particularly important ahead of the upcoming October local council elections, where almost all communities across Victoria will vote for their new councillors to serve a four-year term. NewsTwo people charged during IBAC's Operation PerseusOn Wednesday 7 August, IBAC conducted searches at a number of premises under warrant. Following this activity, two Victorian Building Authority (VBA) employees have been charged with criminal offences relating to the assessment of builder registrations, in exchange for a financial benefit. Anti-corruption chiefs announce fundamental principlesOn Wednesday 31 July, at the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference in Darwin, commissioners of the 10 independent anti-corruption and integrity agencies around Australia announced the Fundamental Principles of Australian Anti-Corruption Commissions. The 12 principles provide a framework for legislation and policy governing anti-corruption and integrity commissions. Each principle is considered fundamental to the ability of an anti-corruption or integrity commission to undertake its functions independently and effectively. IBAC to focus on corrections and youth justice, and excessive use of force by police in 2024/25On Thursday 27 June, IBAC tabled its 2024/25 Annual Plan outlining its priorities for the next 12 months, which include corrections and youth justice, and high-risk police stations and specialist police teams. The annual plan identifies five strategic focus areas to guide IBAC’s work to prevent and expose public sector corruption and police misconduct. EventsUpcoming events: Corruption risks in local governmentThe next Victorian local council elections will be held in October. Ahead of this busy period, IBAC is holding forums in metro and regional areas for local government staff, integrity and governance officers, administrative officers and public sector leaders. The forums will include short presentations, discussion, and Q&A with IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf, Chief Municipal Inspector Michael Stefanovic, and Victoria's Deputy Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming. Register online for these events: Wednesday 4 September (9.30am-11.30am) - Register for Abbotsford event Tuesday 27 August (9.30am-11.30am) - Register for Benalla event Publications and resourcesIBAC resources
IBAC e-learning modules There are six modules:
Victorian Auditor General’s Office
Independent Commission Against Corruption (South Australia) Crime and Corruption Commission (Queensland)
Tasmanian Integrity Commission· Crime and Corruption Commission (WA)
Independent Commission Against Corruption (NT) Street address: Level 1 North Tower 459 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 |