Prosecutions arising from IBAC investigations are an important mechanism for exposing public sector corruption and police misconduct. They highlight the impact of corruption and its consequences for those involved, which may include jail terms, confiscation of assets, fines and community corrections orders. Prosecutions following investigations also serve the important function of deterring and preventing public sector corruption and police misconduct. Highlighting the existence and consequences of corruption and misconduct has the additional benefit of assisting public sector agencies and police to strengthen their practices.
This is a summary of IBAC statements from April to June 2019 about some of our operations and prosecutions. For more detail, please see our media releases or follow @ibacVic on Twitter for our latest announcements.
Three people committed to stand trial over failed education department Ultranet project
Three people have been committed to stand trial following a committal hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court over May/June as a result of IBAC's investigation, Operation Dunham, into the failed education department Ultranet project. The three will face trial for offences including obtaining property by deception and misconduct in public office. The trial date is yet to be scheduled, however it is anticipated the trial may occur in 2020 and will last eight to ten weeks.
Former Corrections Victoria officer sentenced following IBAC investigation
On 19 June, a former Corrections Victoria officer from Loddon Prison was sentenced to 15 months in prison with a seven month non-parole period following an IBAC's investigation, Operation Nisidia, into suspected corrupt conduct at Loddon Prison, following a mandatory notification from Corrections Victoria.
IBAC charges Victoria Police officer
In June IBAC charged a Victoria Police officer with three counts of disclosing a restricted matter. The first court appearance will be at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in early July.
IBAC investigating incident that led to serious injury of a man
IBAC is investigating an incident involving Victoria Police in Fitzroy that resulted in a civilian being seriously injured in May and is appealing for eyewitnesses.
IBAC forwards complaint about government advertising to the Victorian Public Sector Commission
In April, IBAC forwarded a complaint from the State Opposition about a Victorian government advertising campaign to the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner for consideration. The complaint alleges the advertising campaign is a possible breach of the Public Administration Act 2004.
IBAC's oversight of Victoria Police response to falsification of preliminary breath tests
As part of IBAC's oversight of Victoria Police's response to the revelation in May 2018 that officers across the force falsified preliminary breath tests to meet quotas, Victoria Police has advised that further investigations IBAC required are ongoing.