IBAC Insights (newsletter)

Investigations and prosecutions update

Thursday 29 Sep 2022

Prosecutions arising from IBAC investigations are an important mechanism for exposing public sector corruption and police misconduct. They highlight the impact and consequences for those involved, which can include jail terms, confiscation of assets, fines and community corrections orders. Shining a light on corruption and misconduct also helps public sector agencies and police strengthen practices to prevent it.

This is a summary of IBAC statements about some of our operations and prosecutions from July to September 2022. For more detail, please see our media releases, or follow @ibacVic on Twitter for our latest announcements.

  • IBAC's Operation Meroo was an investigation into allegations that the former CEO of a Victorian regional health service (Agency A) misused their position and engaged in corrupt conduct.

    IBAC found the former CEO awarded a contract worth nearly $1 million to a consultancy while they were in a personal relationship with one of its directors. The former CEO also authorised payment of invoices to an electrical company owned by their relative several years after the work was undertaken and without proper verification.

    The former CEO also failed to declare or manage clear conflicts of interest, as they were required to do. IBAC also found the former CEO inappropriately expended the health service's funds on travel and hospitality, and regularly failed to comply with policies and procedures.

    IBAC publishes the responses to its investigations to inform the community about actions agencies advise they are taking. This also allows other agencies to improve their systems and practices.

    Between May and July 2022, Agency A provided IBAC with its response outlining how it had implemented Recommendation 1 arising from Operation Meroo.

    Operation Meroo report

     

  • Former Melton mayor and Labor candidate Justin Mammarella and his father Umberto 'Robert' Mammarella, a former electorate officer, have been sentenced following IBAC's investigation Operation Naxos.

    Former Melton mayor and his father sentenced following IBAC investigation

  • IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman tabled a special report in Parliament on Operation Watts, a joint investigation into allegations of serious corrupt conduct involving Victorian public officers, including Members of Parliament.

    Operation Watts special report July 2022

  • IBAC has charged a Victoria Police officer with unlawful assault.

     

  • The owner of an electrical company who supplied services to Frankston City Council has pleaded guilty to obtaining property by deception following an investigation by IBAC.

    Electrical company owner who supplied services to Frankston City Council sentenced following IBAC investigation

Operation Meroo
Special reports
Operation Meroo
IBAC's Operation Meroo was an investigation into allegations that the former CEO of a Victorian regional health service (Agency A) misused their position and engaged in corrupt conduct.
Read special report