IBAC probes prison guard over drug smuggling claims
THE STATE’S anti-corruption watchdog is probing allegations a female prison officer was involved in a drug trafficking ring at a Victorian prison.
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THE STATE’S anti-corruption watchdog is probing allegations a female prison officer was involved in a drug trafficking ring at a Victorian prison.
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The Herald Sun can confirm corruption investigators began looking at the claim after the guard resigned from her role at the minimum security Dhurringile Prison in February.
The Herald Sun understands a property was raided in northern Victoria early this year after the allegations were reported.
But it is not yet known which organisation the officers were from.
The independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission do not disclose details on their investigations but Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney confirmed the guard had stood down in parliament yesterday.
“What I can say is that I can confirm that a staff member at Dhurringile resigned in February following a series of allegations of misconduct and Corrections Victoria were unable to provide further comment at that time,” Ms Tierney told the chamber.
Opposition Corrections spokesman Edward O’Donohue questioned the minister about the claims yesterday, including the woman allegedly smuggling drugs inside and selling them to prisoners.
He also referred to “other allegations of serious misconduct” and said Ms Tierney is attempting to avoid scrutiny over the issue.
“This looks like a cover-up and Gayle Tierney needs to tell Victorians exactly what has gone on at the Dhurringile Prison,’’ he said.
“Gayle Tierney’s refusal to answer questions in Parliament further undermines any faith the public still had in the ability of the Andrews Government to manage the corrections system.”
Mr O’Donohue said the development was a concern.
“This astonishing development is a very serious matter and is yet another example of the chaos in the corrections system under Daniel Andrews,’’ he said.
It is not clear whether the case has been passed on to Victoria Police to investigate.
Corrections Victoria spokeswoman Courtney Crane said “we are unable to provide further comment at this time”.
It is understood people in the local community are outraged by the situation.
The latest claim comes after a recent escape from the minimum security facility.
The offender is alleged to have snuck out of the prison using tools.