Victorian Inspector’s job extended — but no public announcement

Victoria’s integrity agency watchdog has been re-appointed for a further two years — but there was no announcement to mark the event.

Victorian Inspector Eamonn Moran.

Victoria’s integrity watchdog has been reappointed quietly by the Andrews government for another two years, in a move that sets the scene for ongoing tensions with one of the key agencies it monitors.

The Australian has confirmed that without a public announcement Victorian Inspector Eamonn Moran – who monitors the performance of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission and the Victorian Ombudsman and wields coercive powers – recently was given a two-year extension in the role.

Mr Moran’s five-year term expired on December 31, but he was given a six-month extension as the state’s acting inspector. Now it can be confirmed that earlier this month his term was extended for a further two years.

The Victorian Inspectorate’s website was updated recently, simply stating that Mr Moran’s ‘‘current term of office expires on 30 June 2025”.

Mr Moran’s relations with Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass have broken down and in October last year she wrote to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes to raise concerns about the VI.

In that letter, Ms Glass noted Mr Moran’s conduct during a number of reviews into complaints against her office and many of her concerns were believed to be around her view that the watchdog was overreaching and interfering.

Ms Glass’s 10-year term as the Ombudsman comes to an end in March next year.

In what is likely to be one of her last major investigations, Ms Glass is conducting an inquiry into the politicisation of the public service by the Andrews government.

Mr Moran’s office declined to address questions about the VI’s relationship with the Ombudsman, simply stating: ‘‘Engagement with the Office of the Ombudsman continues as usual.”

The VI directed questions about the failure to announce Mr Moran’s extension to the Attorney-General.