Victoria’s corruption watchdog has published in its annual report, showing police investigations rose by 303 per cent in 2021-22. 

Police investigations by Victoria’s Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) soared according to the annual report tabled in parliament this week.

It says the total number of complaints or notifications received last financial year increased by 30 per cent on the previous reporting period, while IBAC’s handling of suspected corruption or police misconduct also grew by 13 per cent on the previous year. 

Outgoing IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich says the stats show the ongoing need for adequate powers and resources.

“In 2021/22, IBAC faced an unprecedented number of legal challenges. The issues in each dispute varied, but all related to IBAC investigations or proposed special reports,” Commissioner Redlich said.

In the last reporting period, IBAC made 28 formal recommendations to public sector agencies (including Victoria Police) under the IBAC Act to improve systems, processes and controls.

“IBAC published two research reports this year: Corruption risks associated with government-funded human services delivered by community service organisations — which identified procurement and contract management, conflicts of interest, cash handling, inaccurate reporting practices and misuse of sensitive information as areas of risk; and Victoria Police handling of complaints made by Aboriginal people — which highlighted concerning patterns and deficiencies in Victoria Police’s handling of police complaints by Aboriginal people and identified 10 recommendations for improvement,” Commissioner Redlich said.

“It was pleasing that Victoria Police committed to adopting the recommendations of the research report in full,” he added.

He also suggested the state may have to revisit the definition of ‘corruption’ in law.

“While IBAC recognises and respects the importance of persons and organisations being able to bring proceedings to protect their rights, as it stands, elements of IBAC’s legislation cause investigations to be unnecessarily delayed or frustrated by lengthy litigation,” he said. 

He said the work is often beset by litigants claiming privilege in the Supreme Court. 

“Litigation arising out of the natural justice process before a report can be finalised and tabled has also delayed the completion of investigations,” Commissioner Redlich said. 

“Public hearings may provide IBAC with an alternative means of meeting natural justice requirements.”

The commissioner said public hearings are an important accountability mechanism and help to enhance transparency as well as public education. 

In the last reporting period, IBAC conducted 115 days of private examinations and held 24 days of public examinations.

“Public hearings were also held as part of Operation Watts, a joint investigation between IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman,” Commissioner Redlich said.

“This investigation focused on allegations of misuse of electorate office and ministerial office staff, and resources for branch stacking and other party-related activities.”