Media Releases
IBAC's first annual report released
More than 600 complaints alleging corruption or police misconduct, including 131 protected disclosures, were assessed in the initial months of the newly-established Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), according to its first annual report published today.
More than 600 complaints alleging corruption or police misconduct, including 131 protected disclosures, were assessed in the initial months of the newly-established Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), according to its first annual report published today.
IBAC Commissioner Stephen O’Bryan said the IBAC annual report showed that as at 30 June, there were 16 investigations underway.
“Our investigative powers only came into effect on 10 February 2013. Thirty-one investigations were carried over from the former Office of Police Integrity (OPI) and were re-assessed under IBAC’s legislation,” Mr O’Bryan said.
“Eleven of these were continued by IBAC, and five new investigations were commenced in those early months of operation.
“This has been undertaken while we also work to establish a new organisation and recruit experienced investigators and staff.”
IBAC’s prevention and education functions, which came into effect on 1 July 2012, aim to help build the public sector’s capacity to prevent corruption and police misconduct, as well as to raise community awareness.
A total of 72 education prevention initiatives were delivered during the financial year. More than 1,200 people attended seminars, courses or speaking engagements run by IBAC. Audiences ranged from probationary constables to lawyers, police discipline investigators, public sector agencies and community organisations.
Foundation research on perceptions of corruption in Victoria was also completed in conjunction with the Australian National University. The research provides valuable baseline information to guide IBAC’s future work to prevent corruption.
Mr O’Bryan foreshadowed IBAC will provide a further report to Parliament later this year.
“As this report provides only a brief snapshot of our operations over a very short period, and given that we are committed to being open and accountable to the people of Victoria, we plan to publish a special report before the end of this year regarding a number of matters dealt with since taking full jurisdiction,” he said.
