Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has tabled a special report on Operation Leo, an investigation into allegations of bribery and misconduct by some councillors at Moonee Valley City Council.
The investigation has found that some councillors used their positions to inappropriately influence council decisions, bypass decision-making processes and inappropriately disclose information.
IBAC cited one example of a councillor directly progressing property related applications and influencing a council decision outside of proper processes.
Three councillors were found to have used their positions to influence council decisions in favour of the Essendon Royals Soccer Club, at the expense of other local sporting groups.
Those councillors are said to have voted on motions despite having received undeclared hospitality from the club, and actively sought to secure votes to grant the club exclusive access to a reserve and pavilion outside of formal Council meetings.
The three councillors named in the report are Cam Nation, Narelle Sharpe and Jacob Bettio.
Mr Nation, a former mayor, resigned from the Council in March this year.
IBAC heard evidence that Mr Nation had received cocaine in exchange for assisting with a business owner’s parking issue.
Cr Sharpe is a former mayor and current deputy mayor. She and Cr Bettio are both seeking re-election in this month’s council poll.
The Operation Leo report reveals systemic corruption vulnerabilities at Moonee Valley City Council relating to councillor integrity obligations, failure to follow proper processes, conflicts of interest and failure to report corrupt conduct.
IBAC has made a recommendation to the Local Government Minister to ensure that a Model Code of Conduct includes a clear expectation of councillors to report suspected corrupt conduct. That is in addition to 34 recommendations from last year’s Operation Sandon report.
Read the report: Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission
Media reports: The Age; AAP via Shepparton News; ABC News