Media Releases

Public examinations into alleged serious police misconduct at Ballarat Police Station will resume in October.

As part of IBAC’s Operation Ross, the proceedings will focus on:

• allegations that officers at Ballarat Police Station used excessive force towards a vulnerable person in custody
• other instances of alleged excessive force involving officers at Ballarat Police Station
• whether the internal reporting by Victoria Police members involved in or associated with the alleged conduct was sufficient and appropriate
• the way Victoria Police handles complaints and responds to trends relating to alleged excessive use of force against persons by Victoria Police members.

The resumption of IBAC’s examinations in Operation Ross follows a decision by the Court of Appeal to allow the public examinations to proceed.

The public examinations will be held in the County Court of Victoria from the week commencing Monday 19 October, commencing at 10am each day. 

IBAC Deputy Commissioner, Andrew Kirkham AM RFD QC will preside over the examinations. Counsel assisting will be Gary Hevey RFD of the Victorian Bar, instructed by Alexis Eddy, a Principal Lawyer with IBAC.

For further details, including a summary of the scope and purpose of the examinations, download the Preliminary information and directions for public examinations in Operation Ross.

The examinations into alleged serious police misconduct at Ballarat Police Station are part of Operation Ross, an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information relevant to the ongoing investigation in Operation Ross should contact IBAC on 1300 735 135.

Media contact: 0427 480 840 or media@ibac.vic.gov.au 

Media note:

• Interviews will not be available.
• Media are requested to register their attendance at the examinations via above contacts.
• For updates, follow us @ibacVic or #IBACRoss