Friends demand answers over Watchdog’s conduct

Hundreds of mourners farewell former Casey mayor who took her own life amid marathon anti-corruption investigation.

Amanda Stapleton, who was mourned at her funeral on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

The conduct of Victoria’s anti-corruption agency has been questioned at the funeral of an ex-mayor caught up in a marathon investigation.

Hundreds of friends and family who turned out at the Berwick Church of Christ to honour Amanda Stapledon heard a pointed reference to IBAC from her friend and former vicar David Powys.

“How can we safely foster the participation in politics of ordinary citizens? And what should we expect of those who order and conduct corruption inquiries?,” he asked the gathering.

“I am not going to seek to answer these questions, but I hope that others will.”

Friends and former Casey colleagues paid tribute to the much-loved former mayor during the service, remembering her as loyal friend and loving mother, who worked hard to improve the lives of the disabled and disadvantaged.

Ms Stapledon, 58, took her life on January 18, just days after receiving a draft report from IBAC into its long-running investigation into alleged corruption involving a property developer in Casey.

Former council colleague Colin Butler suggested during his tribute that Ms Stapledon’s trusting nature had been exploited by some.

“Amanda, you believe in everybody, you believe everything everybody tells you, because of your faith, you think they are telling the truth,” he said.

“Just be careful. You need to be streetwise. There are people who will take advantage of you, there are people who will use you and you won’t know because of your qualities.

“I think we got the answer to that.”

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call: Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au; Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au