The special report features four IBAC investigations that highlight a range of serious systemic corruption vulnerabilities across the corrections sector:

• Operation Rous (2017) investigated allegations of assault by officers at Port Phillip Prison against three prisoners. IBAC substantiated the allegations in two of the three cases, however the evidence was not sufficient to pursue criminal prosecution. IBAC identified systemic issues and risks related to the use of force, strip searching, use of body-worn cameras (BWCs), and how the incidents were reported and investigated in the prison.

• Operation Nisidia (2017) investigated allegations of corrupt conduct by a welfare officer at Loddon Prison Precinct. IBAC found the welfare officer had arranged for contraband to be trafficked into the prison and unlawfully received bribes from prisoners’ family members. IBAC identified systemic issues and risks with the detection of trafficking activity and the supervision of welfare officers. The welfare officer pleaded guilty to one count of bribery and one count of misconduct in public office and was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, reduced to13 months on appeal.

• Operation Molara (2017) investigated allegations that a corrections officer at Dhurringile Prison had introduced contraband into the facility in exchange for payments from prisoners’ families, and had maintained inappropriate relationships with prisoners and their associates. IBAC substantiated these allegations and identified systemic issues and risks related to the detection of smuggling activity, declarable associations and conflicts of interest. The corrections officer pleaded guilty to one consolidated count of bribery and one count of misconduct in public office and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with a 12-month corrections order.

• Operation Caparra (2018) investigated allegations that a property officer at the Melbourne Assessment Prison failed to disclose associations with current and former prisoners and misused Corrections Victoria databases. IBAC substantiated these allegations however the evidence was not sufficient to pursue criminal prosecution. IBAC identified systemic issues and risks related to vetting of corrections employees and misuse of information.

“CPSU welcomes the important oversight work of our prisons by IBAC and the different investigations conducted that stretch back four (4) years on four sites.”

“With over ten thousand individuals, whether officers or inmates across our sixteen prisons, it’s encouraging to have confirmed that the vast majority conduct themselves to a professional standard.”

“CPSU also welcomes the announcement by the Government of a new cultural review of the prison system and will participate and cooperate with this important initiative.

“Standards of behaviours have improved over twenty years in this dynamic work environment and all Officers are committed to outing those that fall short.”

‘IBAC recommends strengthening training, staff selection, security vulnerabilities, and compliance systems.  All aspects CPSU has raised consistently on behalf of prison officers.”

“There also needs to be a discussion about the future for private operators arising from the IBAC report.”

Ends.