Media Releases

"The Royal Commission will build upon the findings of IBAC's landmark 2015 inquiry, Operation Leven, which first exposed the conduct of Victoria Police in this highly sensitive and complex matter," Commissioner Redlich said.

IBAC's own motion investigation, known as Operation Leven, was conducted by The Hon Murray Kellam AO QC. During the course of the inquiry, more than 5500 documents were examined and 14 witnesses gave sworn evidence.

"IBAC's investigation by Mr Kellam found serious mismanagement of human source information and concluded that Victoria Police had failed to act in accordance with proper policies and procedures,” Commissioner Redlich said.

"In keeping with IBAC's police oversight jurisdiction, Operation Leven focused on the conduct of Victoria Police personnel. It is appropriate that a Royal Commission with broader terms of reference should examine the potential impact on the administration of justice in relevant cases," Commissioner Redlich said.

IBAC's Operation Leven report made 16 recommendations to Victoria Police, including to improve its policies, systems and practices for the management of human sources. Victoria Police has advised IBAC that all of the recommendations have been implemented.

Mr Redlich said IBAC has not publicly released the Operation Leven report because of the highly sensitive and confidential nature of the material examined, and serious concerns about the risks to the safety and welfare of people involved.

Confidential copies of IBAC's report were provided to the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, the Minister for Police and the Victorian Inspectorate. At Mr Kellam's recommendation, Victoria Police also provided a confidential copy of IBAC's report to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider if there had been any adverse effect on prosecutions. This was done and further court proceedings followed.

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