Review of Victoria's integrity and anti-corruption system - IPAA Victoria

Figure 7, integrity system spectrum of behaviour 37Acting with honestyand transparencyManaging resourcesappropriatelyUsing powersresponsiblyManaging poorlyMaking bad decisionsBad judgementGross incompetenceConscious decisionsto break a rule (eg. for ‘valid’operation reasons)Application of a commonprocess that is not inconformity with the ruleConscious breachfor personal gainIntegrityMaladministrationMisconductCorruptionThe challenge for the Review was to propose institutional reforms that would lead to a coherentsystem with appropriate coverage, functions and powers, along with necessary oversight andprotection of individual rights. The Review considered a number of different options for institutionalarrangements. Given the issues discussed in section 3 of the Review report, the status quo is not arecommended option. The lack of cohesiveness of the system as a whole means that someinstitutional changes are necessary.The Review considered an option to expand the roles of existing institutions, such as theOmbudsman and Office of Police Integrity (OPI), combined with removing the statutory andadministrative impediments to cooperation and sharing information. In particular, the role of theOmbudsman could be expanded to cover all members of parliament and local governmentcouncillors. In effect, this would formalise the Ombudsman as Victoria’s anti-corruption body.However, it would risk overshadowing the important task of conducting enquiries intoadministrative actions and investigating complaints about maladministration. Experience in otherjurisdictions also points to problems in locating a wide range of responsibilities in a single body,and the importance of recognising the significant differences in both the nature and responses tomaladministration and corruption, including different investigatory techniques that appear mosteffective in tackling these distinctively different issues.The Review therefore recommends establishing a separate body with a dedicated focus on seriousmisconduct and corruption, equipped with the required specialised investigatory skills.37Adapted from: Treasury Board of Canada 2005, The Financial Administration Act: Responding to non-compliance,Treasury Board, Canada.22 | Review of Victoria’s integrity and anti-corruption system