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IBAC Insights
Issue 34 | December 2022
Commissioner’s message
Welcome to the December edition of IBAC Insights; this is the final edition for 2022 and the final edition for me as IBAC Commissioner.
My five-year term ends this Friday 16 December. It is perhaps fitting that the timing of my departure, and that of this edition, aligns closely with that of international anti-corruption day which fell on 9 December. This provides a good opportunity to reflect on the past five years and to look back on the significant amount of work that has been done to prevent and expose public sector corruption and police misconduct in Victoria.
Special features
Perceptions of corruption
Every few years, IBAC surveys state and local government employees, Victoria Police employees, business suppliers and the Victorian community to better understand perceptions of corruption and police misconduct at their workplaces, and more broadly.
The surveys help IBAC to understand emerging issues, and to inform our prevention and education activities. The findings also help educate public sector agencies about possible gaps and opportunities to address corruption risks and vulnerabilities and enhance prevention and education activities.
Results from IBAC’s 2022 surveys show an increase in perceptions that public sector corruption and police misconduct are a problem in Victoria.
Special report on misconduct issues and risks associated with Victoria Police's Critical Incident Response Team
IBAC Deputy Commissioner Kylie Kilgour
In October, IBAC tabled its special report Police misconduct issues and risks associated with Victoria Police's Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Concerningly, this special report highlights several incidents and issues involving CIRT, as well as risks and vulnerabilities that undermine the team and the professional standards expected of officers with their level of specialist training, weapons, and expertise.
Corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying
Podcast with IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf
IBAC's recent special report on corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying sets out recommendations for significant improvements to be made to Victoria's donations and lobbying regulations across both state and local government.
IBAC Principal Advisor, and primary report author Aimee Tan speaks with Deputy Commissioner David Wolf about the issues, risks and recommendations in our latest podcast.
News
Nation's integrity chiefs agree on best practice principles for Australian anti-corruption commissions
In recognition of International Anti-Corruption Day, the Commissioners of independent, anti-corruption and law enforcement integrity agencies in Australia issued a joint statement on the 12 principles they consider best practice for anti-corruption commissions in this country.
Victoria's integrity agencies call for greater budgetary independence
Victoria's integrity agencies have come together to present an evidence-based case for greater budgetary independence. The intention is to remove the politics from the debate, so that governments of whatever stripe cannot be accused, fairly or otherwise, of interfering with the independence of agencies whose job it is to hold them to account.
IBAC calls for improvements to Victoria's donation and lobbying regulations
IBAC's Special report on corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying sets out recommendations for significant improvements to be made to Victoria's donations and lobbying regulations across both state and local government.
Focus on witness welfare
IBAC takes our responsibility for the welfare of everyone involved with our work very seriously. We take steps to support witnesses and reduce their concerns to the extent possible.
Investigations and prosecutions update
Catch up on recent IBAC statements and updates about our operations and prosecutions.
Gifts and benefits reminder
As we celebrate the festive season and approach the end of the year, those working in the Victorian public sector are reminded to be aware of the gifts, benefits and hospitality policies that apply to their organisation and declare and/or decline where appropriate. Familiarise yourself with the policies in your workplace and ask a manager if unsure.
IBAC festive period closure
IBAC will be closed for business from 1pm on Friday 23 December 2022 and recommence operations on Tuesday 3 January 2023.
During this time, complaints can still be made via our website.
Recent events
Integrity Matters webinar
A lunchtime conversation hour with the leaders of Victoria's integrity agencies focusing on current integrity risks and challenges, and why they matter. The speakers covered topics including public sector governance, conflicts of interest, procurement and what constitutes corruption.
In conversation with IBAC's Commissioner
On International Anti-Corruption Day, outgoing IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich AM KC spoke to Melbourne journalist and lawyer Jon Faine AM in a live-streamed conversation about his five-year tenure as Commissioner of IBAC, and what's needed to prevent corruption in Victoria in the future.
Public Interest Disclosure Coordinators annual forum
This year, our Victorian Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator annual forum covered IBAC's upcoming review of Victorian bodies' Public Interest Disclosure policies and procedures.
The forum was also an opportunity for Public Interest Disclosure Coordinators and other state and local government integrity professionals to learn more about handling of disclosures, and how they are assessed and investigated.
Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
The Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference held in Sydney in November brought together Australian and international anti-corruption experts to discuss risk identification and management, emerging trends and innovative approaches to combat corruption and heighten workplace integrity systems.
IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich AM, KC and Deputy Commissioners David Wolf and Kylie Kilgour presented at the conference.
Governing with Integrity: Sir John Barry Memorial Lecture
IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich AM, KC gave the 2022 Sir John Barry Memorial Lecture in Criminology at the University of Melbourne on 20 October.
The forum was also an opportunity for Public Interest Disclosure Coordinators and other state and local government integrity professionals to learn more about handling of disclosures, and how they are assessed and investigated.
Human Rights Week 2022
IBAC joined other organisations and individuals marking Human Rights Week on 2-9 December with this year's theme 'Rights in action'.
Our commitment to human rights includes ensuring IBAC officers are fully trained on Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. We assess every complaint to IBAC for potential human rights breaches and to decide if it's a public interest disclosure.
Publications and resources
- Perceptions of corruption survey findings, video overview and infographics
- Special report on corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying and internal communication kit
- Special report on police misconduct issues and risks associated with Victoria Police's Critical Incident Response Team
- Publications from other agencies
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