IBAC’s call for government whistleblowers in new campaign

A new campaign is calling for public servants to blow the whistle if they witness possible corruption or improper influence.

IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich has put out a call for whistleblowers.

Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog has urged the state’s public servants to blow the whistle if they are being improperly influenced.

The public campaign comes as the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has been investigating the use of taxpayer-funded staffers for political purposes and the relationship between the Andrews government’s dealings with the United Firefighters Union and fire services.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass is also investigating the politicisation of the public servants and has been calling for people to come forward if they know a senior person who was not appointed on merit.

IBAC’s new “speak up to stop it” campaign says any public sector worker is at risk of being influenced and should report it if they witness possible corruption.

Commissioner Robert Redlich AM, QC said public servants needed to make decisions free of bias or favouritism.

“However, public sector employees need to be aware that they can be used by others to gain access to their colleagues, confidential information or to taxpayer-funded resources,” he said.

“A public sector employee may be improperly influenced to make a decision through pressure, favours or gifts, or more subtly through abuse of seniority or position.

“Often a relationship can start out as professional, but over time develop into one where a person is being influenced in a way that’s not consistent with the community’s expectations – this is improper influence.”

IBAC probes have shown that “improper influence” can come not only from lobbyists and suppliers, but other government workers and ministerial advisers.

“It is not just government departments or agencies that are at risk, the public sector also includes schools, hospitals, councils and more. The potential sphere of improper influence is far and wide,” Commissioner Redlich said.