Media Releases
IBAC shines light on serious corruption in its third year
Public examinations into alleged serious public sector corruption and police misconduct are some of the key achievements outlined in IBAC’s 2015/16 annual report, tabled in Parliament today.
IBAC Commissioner Stephen O’Bryan QC said openly examining cases of alleged serious corruption and misconduct in public hearings has encouraged and empowered people to come forward and report suspected wrongdoing.
“Focusing attention on weaknesses in systems and practices through our public examinations and reports provided an impetus for public sector leaders to act quickly to prevent corruption,” Mr O’Bryan said.
In 2015/16, IBAC’s activities and achievements included:
- a tripling in the number of matters that were assessed as a protected disclosure
- an increase in the number of active investigations handled and IBAC’s first regional public examinations (focusing on alleged serious police misconduct)
- the completion of half a dozen research projects, including a survey of Victorian Government suppliers’ perception of corruption
- the release of two public intelligence reports (on the risks of cultivation of the public sector by organised crime and predatory behaviour by police).
IBAC continued its independent oversight of Victoria Police, with almost half of its active investigations focused on serious police misconduct. IBAC also applied greater scrutiny to Victoria Police’s internal complaints process, recommending 36 per cent of their investigations reviewed required further clarification or action, as well as completing a broader audit of their complaints handling at the regional level.
In May 2016, the IBAC Act was amended to enhance IBAC’s investigative functions and abilities. Key changes, including strengthening IBAC’s ability to detect and investigate allegations of public sector corruption and misconduct, were introduced on 1 July 2016.
A new requirement for the mandatory notification to IBAC of suspected public sector corruption will commence on 1 December 2016. There is also an ongoing review of Victoria’s integrity system by the Victorian Government.
“We are encouraged the Government is considering further reform to Victoria’s integrity system. There remains scope to improve how the key integrity agencies work together, and I believe it is important that ‘follow-the-dollar’ powers (like those now available to the Auditor-General) be considered for IBAC,” Mr O’Bryan said.
“As Victoria’s integrity system evolves, it’s important to remember that everyone plays a part in helping to prevent corruption so all Victorians can have confidence in the integrity of our vital public services.”
Media contact: media@ibac.vic.gov.au or 0427 480 840
No media interviews will be granted.
