IBAC facing probe after Casey mayor suicide

Committee discusses launching investigation into anti-corruption body and the agency charged with monitoring it after ex-mayor’s suicide

Former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon.

Victoria’s anti-corruption agencies face the threat of a parliamentary investigation into the treatment of witnesses in the wake of the suicide of a former mayor.

Following a series of reports in The Australian highlighting concerns about the death of former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon and the welfare of other witnesses, parliament’s integrity and oversight committee spent Wednesday considering a special investigation.

It’s believed there was strong support among committee members for a review to be ordered into the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission and the Victorian Inspectorate, which monitors the watchdog, regarding the treatment of witnesses.

The committee could also expand the terms of reference for a scheduled performance review to specifically cover complaints relating to the death of Stapledon.

Stapledon, 58, took her life on January 17-18, three days after receiving a draft report relating to her from IBAC into its marathon investigation into allegedly corrupt land deals involving councillors and a property developer.

As the parliamentary probe was considered, it emerged that the confidential IBAC report sent to Stapledon is likely to be a focus of a coronial investigation into her death. IBAC delivered the draft report on January 14.

Victoria’s coroner is investigating the former mayor’s suicide and The Australian believes the IBAC report will be of interest to the probe as it is expected to be considered as relevant evidentiary material.

“The court cannot comment on the contents of briefs of ­evidence for active investigations,” a court spokesperson said.

IBAC said “in the event that there is an inquest in relation to Ms Stapledon’s death, IBAC will assist in that inquiry in any way that it can”.

The Australian has revealed that IBAC was warned in March 2020 that several witnesses were at risk of self-harm. Separately, the VI was warned in April 2021 that witnesses were suffering suicidal ideation, but the agency took seven months to respond.

Former Liberal MP Inga Peu­lich wrote to IBAC in March 2020 about Operation Sandon – the agency’s probe into dealings ­between a property developer and Casey councillors – stating: “I hope no one ends up with blood on their hands.”

The April 2021 warning was contained in a complaint to the VI, which stated: “I am also aware of two separate witnesses who ­seriously contemplated and planned suicide arising from the pressure of IBAC investigations, and were prevented from doing so only by the timely intervention of caring family and friends.”

In the past week, the integrity and oversight committee has received at least two formal requests from witnesses to review the conduct of IBAC and the VI.

One complaint stated: “My request to you is most urgent because I and other witnesses have had our lives vindictively and mercilessly decimated by the ­irresponsible conduct of IBAC, and are also at risk of at least ­continuous serious harm to our health and wellbeing, if not ­suicide.

“The particularly vicious and persecutorial conduct of IBAC against me as a witness was outlined in significant detail in a complaint to the VI in April 2021.

“Unfortunately, the VI took seven months to respond, and then dismissed the complaint.

“It was not until Ms Stapledon’s suicide that the VI began to take the matter a lot more ­seriously.”

Stapledon’s death has shattered the Casey community where the former mayor was highly regarded. Hundreds turned out for her funeral last week during which the conduct of IBAC was questioned.

Stapledon’s friend and former vicar David Powys made a pointed reference to the marathon investigation in paying tribute. “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.”

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