The Victorian public sector provides vital community services and facilities that support us every day, and every day public sector employees in government departments agencies and local councils make decisions that affect all Victorians.
The community expects people working in the public sector to always perform their duties fairly and honestly. Misconduct and corruption undermines trust in government and damages the reputation of the public sector. When misconduct or corrupt activities are not identified or left unchecked, public money and resources are wasted.
The Victorian integrity system exists so that every Victorian can have confidence in the state's public sector because corruption in councils and government departments and agencies hurts us all.
Public sector corruption can occur when a public sector employee misuses their position or power for their own gain. Some examples include: providing services to family and friends ahead of other members of the community; misusing information to help a particular company win a contract; or accepting bribes or other benefits.
Victoria's integrity system is made up of three key agencies.
The Independent Broad-based anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is responsible for identifying exposing and preventing public sector corruption and police misconduct. IBAC can take complaints about and investigate police misconduct and corruption in state government, local councils, the Victorian Parliament, and the judiciary.
The Victorian Ombudsman looks into complaints about state government bodies and local councils, and investigates systemic problems to improve the public service and protect human rights. The Ombudsman also investigates misconduct by public officials.
The Victorian Auditor General's Office helps hold the public sector to account and improve its performance by examining the public sector's economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; and its compliance with laws.
The three key agencies are independent of government and report directly to Parliament. They operate under the oversight of parliamentary committees.
Other agencies also play an important role in Victoria's integrity system. They ensure the public has access to information, protect people's privacy, and protect people from discrimination.
The Victorian Inspectorate can take complaints and investigate certain matters about IBAC, the Victorian Ombudsman and Victorian Auditor General's Office.
Victoria has legislation to ensure that people who report suspected misconduct and corruption in Victoria's public sector can do so knowing that they will be protected. Protections can include: keeping your identity confidential; protecting your welfare at work; and protecting you from reprisals, such as bullying and harassment.
You can make a complaint about alleged corruption or misconduct directly to IBAC or to the public sector organisation you are complaining about. Public sector agencies must refer all complaints that they believe could qualify for these protections to IBAC. IBAC determines which complaints warrant protection under the legislation.
Under the legislation only IBAC, the Victorian Ombudsman, Victoria Police, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, the Local Government Inspectorate, and the Victorian Inspectorate can investigate complaints that have protected status.
If you suspect corruption or misconduct in the public sector, feel confident you can do something about it.
For more information about Victoria's integrity system, visit ibac.vic.gov.au, ombudsman.vic.gov.au, or audit.vic.gov.au.