Shane Patton defends Victoria Police’s investigation into red shirts rort

Victoria’s top cop, Shane Patton, has defended how the red shirts rort was investigated by police after a whistleblower’s explosive claims.

Victoria’s top cop has defended how the infamous red shirts rort was investigated after a whistleblower claimed senior police “interfered with” and “obstructed” the probe in a bid to help Labor win the 2018 election.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said he hadn’t read the 29-page statement and wasn’t aware of any attempts by senior police to thwart investigations into the scandal.

“This is the first I’ve heard of any alleged interference,” he told 3AW on Thursday.

“I’m not aware of any, and there’s been no concerns raised, about police interference since I’ve been the chief comissioner.”

In an explosive statement addressed to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, the force whistleblower involved in the investigation claimed senior police interfered with and obstructed their work.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has defended the red shirts probe. Picture: Erik Anderson

The damning document, which was written and witnessed in June, also called for a fresh probe into how the investigation was conducted.

The whistleblower said they had “new information that the Victoria Police fraud squad investigation into the red shirts matter was interfered with, obstructed and prevented from being conducted normally and properly by senior police high up in police command.

“It may also have involved other people outside Victoria Police command”.

Mr Patton said there had been no formal investigation into matters of interference.

“I was briefed regularly on these matters and I’m very comfortable there has been no interference in relation to this investigation whatsoever,” he said.

“It was conducted openly and transparently within the police organisation.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews with Labor party supporters wearing red shirts in 2018. Picture: AAP

Mr Patton said there was “insufficient evidence” to justify the arrest of any MPs allegedly involved but there was sufficient evidence to arrest junior workers.

“There was no evidence to suggest any conviction or charging should occur,” he said.

“I was very satisfied there were no undue influence.

“There was nothing there at all other than a complete open and proper investigation and no interference from senior police officers that I’m aware of.”

Mr Patton said he didn’t know the identity of the whistleblower.

“I don’t understand or know whether this is a police officer or if it is, who it is, and what their motivation may or may not be to put together this document,” he said.

The Labor rort involved nearly $388,000 in taxpayers’ money being spent on part-paying electorate staff to campaign for the 2014 election.

About two dozen MPs, including several ministers were embroiled in the red shirts scandal, with Premier Daniel Andrews agreeing to pay the money back.

Originally published as Shane Patton defends Victoria Police’s investigation into red shirts rort