IBAC inquiry linked to suicide of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon: Coroner

A coroner has linked an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission investigation and the ­agency’s witness welfare management to the suicide of Amanda Stapledon.

Former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, who gave evidence in a public hearing. Picture: Chris Eastman

A Victorian coroner has linked an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission investigation and the ­agency’s witness welfare management to the suicide of a former mayor caught in the anti-corruption inquiry.

In a significant development in a marathon inquiry known as Operation Sandon, Coroner David Ryan has concluded evidence confirms ex-Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon’s mental health was adversely affected by her experience.

‘‘A review of the evidence discloses that the impact of IBAC’s investigation on Ms Stapledon’s mental health is relevant to the circumstances of her death together with the management of her welfare as a witness by IBAC,’’ Coroner Ryan has stated.

The coroner’s statement was included in official correspondence, dated February 10, to an Operation Sandon witness, who had requested the Coroners Court hold a public inquest into the death of Ms Stapledon. In the eight-page response to the witness, the coroner rejected the request for a public inquest into the 58-year-old’s death, but confirmed the tragedy continued to be investigated and indicated a focus of the ongoing coronial ­inquiry would be IBAC’s witness welfare conduct.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture Aaron Francis

‘‘The management of the ­welfare of witnesses called to give evidence before IBAC is a prevention issue relevant to the investigation of Ms Stapledon’s death,’’ the coroner stated.

‘‘It will be considered by me in the finding and will be the subject of comment and potentially recommendations,’’ he said.

Coroner Ryan also revealed a Victoria police officer had taken statements from IBAC officers as part of the court’s investigation into the former mayor’s death.

Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission declined to comment on the coroner’s statement and the court’s investigation, but said the agency was committed to ­witness welfare.

‘‘IBAC takes the welfare of ­witnesses seriously and has a range of strategies in place to ensure witnesses are aware of – and able to access – welfare support services,’’ an IBAC spokesman told The Australian.

The Coroners Court declined to comment on the contents of the February 10 correspondence to the Operation Sandon witness, who The Australian has agreed not to identify to protect their mental health.

‘‘This matter is still under investigation by the coroner,’’ a court spokesman said.

Ms Stapledon took her life on January 17-18, 2022, just three days after receiving IBAC’s draft report into allegations against her raised during Operation Sandon, an inquiry into allegedly corrupt land deals involving councillors and developer John Woodman.

Among the allegations against the former mayor and ex-Liberal candidate was an undisclosed $25,000 political donation from Mr Woodman to fund her campaign during the 2014 state election.

Friends and former council colleagues blame IBAC for Ms Stapledon’s suicide, claiming she was humiliated by her public examination and was left depressed, isolated and paranoid about going to jail.

Ms Stapledon’s supporters say the welfare support offered by IBAC was inadequate, and uncertainty about her fate fuelled by the marathon investigation, and a lack of communication from IBAC, contributed to her death.

They also claim that IBAC and the Victorian Inspectorate failed to adequately respond to warnings about suicide risk.

The Operation Sandon witness, who received the correspondence from the coroner, has slammed IBAC for the death of Ms Stapledon, who was twice mayor of Casey, a council covering Melbourne’s sprawling southeastern suburbs.

“IBAC are ignoring the reality of the effect of their decision to do live-streaming, where a majority of witnesses did not meet the legislative requirements to conduct an investigation in this manner,” the witness said.

“IBAC have run Operation Sandon for more than 3 years publicly … I fear that another ­witness will commit suicide ­because of the lies that have been told. IBAC made witnesses feel suicidal for years, and they take no responsibility for that. The process that IBAC choose to undertake will be the start of their undoing.’’

The witness has accused IBAC of staging a ‘‘show trial’’ with Operation Sandon to boost its reputation at the expense of the welfare of multiple witnesses.

‘‘Don’t forget IBAC allowed the media to be the only people to see transcripts at the start of this process,” the witness said.

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