ICAC Commissioner Ann Vanstone vows to oversee review into the conduct of John Hanlon investigation after case was dropped

The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption says she’s coming back from holidays early after the high-profile bungle.

The state’s anti-corruption watchdog is returning from holidays early to handle the fallout of the John Hanlon case – but says she doubts her staff “acted unlawfully” investigating him.

Amid calls for a Royal Commission, and having been unavailable for comment on Wednesday,

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Ann Vanstone released a statement on Thursday.

In it, she promised to oversee a review of the investigation into Mr Hanlon and the conduct of those involved in it.

Ms Vanstone said she knew “little of this matter” as it commenced and was carried out prior to her tenure commencing.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Ann Vanstone.

“However, I intend to find out about it … if it is appropriate to report publicly on what I find, then I shall,” she said.

“I am on annual leave … I intend to return to work tomorrow so that I can respond to the Attorney-General’s request for a briefing about the matter.

“I have already asked my Deputy to commence work on that.”

For four years, ICAC has pursued Mr Hanlon – formerly the boss of Renewal SA – over allegations he took taxpayer-funded trips for personal reasons.

Prosecutors withdrew the case on Wednesday.

In her statement, Ms Vanstone said she was “aware of claims made by Mr Hanlon’s defence counsel” that ICAC investigators “acted improperly during the investigation”.

However, those statements were not only made by Mr Hanlon’s counsel – they were also made, under oath, by ICAC’s investigators.

They conceded, in the District Court, they had failed to comply with international law while interviewing witnesses in the case.

Former Renewal SA boss John Hanlon outside the District Court after the DPP withdrew all charges against him. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

The court also heard mobile phone evidence consistent with Mr Hanlon’s claims of innocence had been gathered by ICAC in August 2019, but not disclosed to lawyers until last week.

Ms Vanstone said it was “not apparent to me that any ICAC investigator acted unlawfully”.

“But I shall investigate that allegation,” she said.

“I have been told by my Director of Investigations that the contentious call charge records were not withheld from the Director of Public Prosecutions. They were given to his officers in June 2020.

“I would have no objection to any independent examination of the Commission, if that is the wish of the Government.”

SA-Best MLC Frank Pangallo has called for heads to roll, including Ms Vanstone’s, over the case.

“And don’t think for a minute this is just a one off. I am informed by reputable legal sources this is merely the tip of an iceberg concerning ICAC’s conduct,” he said.