Geoff Ablett denies IBAC findings and says he did not accept kickbacks in exchange for favours

Former Casey councillor Geoff Ablett has criticised the anti-corruption watchdog’s “factual inaccuracies” after its report found he accepted cash payments from developer John Woodman.

Former VFL footballer and Casey councillor Geoff Ablett says the IBAC report was based on ‘proof on the balance of probabilities”, rather than unrefuted fact’. Picture: Ian Currie

Former Casey councillor Geoff Ablett has strongly denied taking kickbacks from property developer John Woodman, and refutes the adverse findings released in the state’s anti-corruption watchdog report released on Thursday.

Mr Ablett, 68, who served 10 years on the Casey Council including three terms as Mayor, on Saturday said he stood “strong and proud” and said the public should know the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission report was based on “proof on the balance of probabilities”, rather than unrefuted fact.

Mr Ablett said the IBAC report contained “factual inaccuracies” which he claims weren’t included in the four-year multimillion-dollar investigation.

“I strongly deny the adverse findings IBAC has made in relation to my conduct. The report contains factual inaccuracies which I’m happy to address,” said Mr Ablett.

Geoff Ablett denies the adverse findings against him. Picture: Ian Currie

“The report claimed I didn’t declare conflicts of interest which I strongly deny and was extremely hurt by given I always declared a conflict at appropriate times and acted within the law and regulations. My colleagues all knew that I had a conflict with matters concerning John Woodman, because I made them aware of that by standing up in front of them at council and declaring it.”

The IBAC report said Mr Ablett and another former Casey Mayor, Sam Aziz, both accepted cash payments and other benefits from Mr Woodman.

In the case of Mr Ablett the commission said he actively took steps to promote Mr Woodman’s interests and received over $550,000 in “financial and in-kind compensation in return”.

This included $25,000 transferred to his bank account by Mr Woodman with false details.

The report also says Mr Ablett declared a conflict of interest a year after a crucial planning matter was first considered by council in 2014, and that he continued to seek to influence a decision on the issue.

Mr Ablett admits to having had a professional and personal relationship with Woodman, but said at no time did it involve accepting kickbacks in exchange for favours.

“I never acted with the intention of promoting Mr Woodman or his associates but always what was in the best interest of the community. Public records show that in any instance I knew I had a conflict of interest, I declared it and left the room,” he said.

Mr Ablett says he never acted with the intention of promoting Mr Woodman or his associates. Picture: Ian Currie

“As a councillor it is extremely difficult when agenda items at council don’t identify all those involved. That needs to change and will change for the better. Councillors need to know before their pre-meeting the names of persons concerned in each item. A support network is required so councillors can receive more information.”

Mr Ablett said the public should know that any IBAC report is based on “probability” and not fact: “This means when making comments IBAC does not use a ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ approach in any way in regard to any alleged offence.

“I strongly reject any references that I engaged in corrupt or illegal behaviour. I’m comfortable with who I am and I’m proud of my achievements at the City of Casey and in the community.

“I want to thank those who have stuck by me in this extremely stressful time and look forward to the day when I can put this behind me and get on with my life. It has been incredibly taxing on a personal level but I have been helped through it by a close-knit group of professional people and close friends.

“One person I don’t want forgotten in all of this is my former close colleague and dear friend Amanda Stapledon, who tragically took her own life in January, 2022, just three days after IBAC sent her a draft report of Operation Sandon.”

Mr Ablett, 68, played 202 games (135 goals) with Hawthorn as a wingman between 1973-82 including the 1976-78 VFL Premierships and 16 matches with Richmond in 1983-84 and 11 at St Kilda in 1985. He also won four VFL Grand Final 100m sprints in the traditional halftime race.

Mr Ablett is part of one of football’s greatest family dynasties, his uncle Len playing in Richmond’s 1943 VFL Premiership, his brother Gary kicking 1031 goals with Geelong and Hawthorn, brother Kevin playing with Hawthorn, Richmond and Geelong, and nephews Luke, Gary jnr and Nathan all were Premiership players.