Call for inquiry into Melbourne gangland convictions

A high-powered Melbourne silk has called for an inquiry into a ­series of criminal convictions.

Melbourne barrister David Galbally QC.

A high-powered Melbourne silk has called for an inquiry into a ­series of criminal convictions, following reports that they may be compromised because Victoria Police had misused intelligence to end the gangland war.

Reports yesterday suggested a special court might need to be set up to deal with a flood of high-profile criminal appeals related to cases during and after Melbourne’s gangland war, which might be in doubt because of tactics allegedly used by police.

David Galbally QC yesterday said that if people had been wrongly convicted, their cases must be investigated.

“I think it’s appalling. I think it’s a great tragedy to think that we may have had people convicted in circumstances where (had) this evidence not been given they would not have been convicted,” he told Ten News.

“Royal commissions are very expensive, but there should be some form of inquiry.

“Whether or not the government wants to do down the path of a royal commission, I think’s a very difficult decision to make.”

The Herald Sun reported that the scandal was set to erupt next week and said calls for a royal commission would be likely.

The identities of the parties involved in the cases as well as the government agencies involved in a protracted legal dispute about the matter are covered by suppression orders.

The alleged misconduct concerned police intelligence-­gathering methods and was motivated by a desire to bring to an end the Melbourne gangland war that raged from 1998 until 2010.

The gangland feuds, predominantly between crime families involved in Melbourne’s drug trade, claimed about 20 lives ­including Jason Moran, Andrew “Benji” Veniamin, Graham “The Munster” Kinniburgh, and later Carl Williams.

Deputy Premier James Merlino refused to comment on the matter yesterday.