This major investigation examined the conduct of then senior officers of the Department of Education and Training (DET) and others, in connection with the use of ‘banker schools’ and related activities.

As part of Operation Ord, IBAC held public hearings between April and June 2015, and tabled a special report to Parliament in April 2016.

IBAC’s investigation focused on allegations that senior departmental officers misappropriated funds from the Department’s budget, through false and inflated invoicing as well as arranging payment of inappropriate expenses such as excessive hospitality, travel and personal items.

The charges include procurement related dishonesty offences including furnishing false information, dealing with the proceeds of crime, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to deal with the proceeds of crime.

The matters have been listed for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2017.

IBAC made a range of recommendations to DET to improve its systems and practices to prevent corruption. DET’s first progress report on its implementation of these recommendations is available on the IBAC website.

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