Media Releases

Former primary school principal sentenced following IBAC's 'banker school' investigation

A former primary school principal has been convicted and placed on a two-year good behaviour bond following a major IBAC investigation into allegations of corrupt conduct by senior officers of the Department of Education and Training (DET).

Michael Giulieri, former principal, Keilor Heights Primary School (and formerly principal, Essendon North Primary School) pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy to attempt to pervert the course of justice, and wilfully making a statement to IBAC which is false or misleading.

Mr Giulieri provided a witness statement to IBAC and will give evidence for the prosecution. He was one of six people charged with a range of criminal offences as a result of IBAC’s Operation Ord.

Operation Ord examined the conduct of then senior officers of DET and others, in connection with the use of ‘banker schools’ and related activities.

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.

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

The next committal hearings for Operation Ord are scheduled for 30 August 2017 at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

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

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