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 October to December 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.
Former Castlemaine Committee of Management member sentenced following IBAC investigation
On 10 October, a former member of the Wesley Hill Public Hall Committee of Management in Castlemaine was sentenced to a 24 month community correction order following an IBAC investigation.
IBAC's Operation Esk substantiated allegations of mismanagement of funds by the Wesley Hill Public Hall Committee of Management, which is responsible for running the Wesley Hill Public Hall in Castlemaine.
The former committee member was found guilty of obtaining property by deception and was ordered to pay $39,785.42 in compensation and to undertake 100 hours of unpaid community work, along with conditions of supervision, treatment and rehabilitation.
IBAC charges former Victoria Police superintendent with misconduct in public office
On 28 October, a former Victoria Police superintendent was charged by IBAC with one count of misconduct in public office.
The charge relates to an IBAC investigation, Operation Dawson, into allegations the superintendent attempted to influence police investigations unrelated to his role by accessing information from Victoria Police systems and contacting persons involved in the investigations.
Victoria Police officer sentenced following IBAC investigation
On 25 November, a former Victoria Police Sergeant was sentenced to six months' imprisonment after he was found guilty of perjury, following an IBAC investigation, Operation Ithaca into allegations of police personnel misconduct. It is an offence to give false or misleading evidence to IBAC, and there are heavy penalties for proven perjury before IBAC.
IBAC executes search warrants in Mildura
On 11 December, IBAC executed search warrants in Mildura. The warrants are part of an IBAC's investigation, Operation Isabella, which is examining a range of allegations about corruption and misconduct.