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IBAC returns positive results ahead of potential Lawyer X investigation
Victoria’s independent anti-corruption commission has published the details around its many 2020 achievements during a “challenging year” ahead of a possible investigation into the police officers behind the mismanagement of former barrister Nicola Gobbo.
Naomi Neilson
Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) presented its 2020 achievements in an annual report tabled in Parliament on Thursday, 29 October, demonstrating its commitment to investigating wrongdoing and police misconduct. The news comes ahead of a possible investigation into officers involved with Ms Gobbo.
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IBAC’s annual report outlined that it had started 24 new investigations, had preliminary hearings and had held public hearings into serious corrupt cases. It has completed 67 reviews of investigations by other agencies, including 59 police investigations.
Commissioner the Honourable Robert Redlich AM QC said the investigations highlight systematic issues and vulnerabilities that, if unchecked, enable corrupt conduct. While not explicitly named, corrupt conduct charges may be the centre of a Lawyer X inquiry.
“Investigations not only expose serious corruption and police misconduct, but they also educate the public sector, police and the community about the risks and impacts of its wrongdoing and inform the action to prevent it,” commissioner Redlich said.
Commissioner Redlich said that through its reviews it advises its agencies on each of their own investigations to ensure they are thorough and fair. This work has presented Victoria Police and other public sector agencies with a strengthened complaint system.
The news comes only days after the commission had to clarify that it had the power to independently conduct criminal investigations into Victoria Police and its management of Ms Gobbo following the final report’s release at the end of November.
In response to the controversial submission from prosecution barrister, the Honourable Douglas Drummond QC, commissioner Redlich denied claims that the anti-corruption commission had already decided that the police did not engage in criminal conduct.
In the annual report, commissioner Redlich said it was more important than ever that Victoria has a “strong integrity system”. He said the risks of corruption and misconduct are heightened in an environment of “crisis and emergency”, particularly where police have increased responsibilities to uphold public health directions and meet demands.
“This year, we have been resolute in the face of considerable challenges as to expose and prevent public sector corruption and police misconduct,” he said.
“Victorians are right to expect that robust integrity underpins the administration of our state and that decisions are made and scarce public resources are allocated in the best interests of the community.”
