CALL FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE ON CORRUPTION

An independent body with extensive investigative powers should be set up in
Victoria to probe corruption at all levels of government, including the
Victoria Police Force, according to former police officer and state MP
Russell Savage.Mr Savage told the Sunday Herald Sun he favored a model
similar to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in NSW.

"There is a need for such a body in Victoria," the Independent MP said.

"We need to be in line with other states and be proactive about this.

"If we say there isn't corruption at some level in Victoria, or imagine that
Victoria is not going to have periodic serious problems involving dishonesty
and corruption, we are not facing reality.

"We have to make sure it (corruption) doesn't happen and eliminate it when
it does."

Mr Savage said an anti-corruption organisation could have investigated the
Kennett government's privatisation of Melbourne's ambulance service, which
is now the subject of a royal commission.

It might also have looked into controversial aspects of the Crown Casino
tendering process, he said.

Mr Savage said Ombudsman Dr Barry Perry, who investigates complaints against
police, should be able to refer cases to an independent commission for
further scrutiny.

"If the Ombudsman believed that the police inquiry into the 1996 break-in at
the St Kilda Rd drug squad headquarters was inadequate, for example, he
could refer it to such a body," the Mildura MP said.

"We need a permanent structure, independent of government, to look at all
forms of corruption within public administration."

The Victoria Police's taskforce into the drug squad security breach failed
to obtain sufficient evidence to lay charges and was wound down last year.

Senior police believe corrupt fellow officers were involved in the theft of
sensitive undercover drug operation files.

The detective who discovered the break-in, Sharon Stone, recently claimed
that corrupt police were paid $250,000 to do it.

Other unsolved cases that could be potentially referred to an
anti-corruption body include:

The 1997 murder of Niddrie mother-of-three Jane Thurgood-Dove, where a
serving policeman is a prime suspect.

The officer, who is still on operational duty, failed a lie-detector test
about the killing.

Victoria's most notorious detective, Sgt Denis Tanner. In 1998 the Coroner
found Tanner shot and killed his sister-in-law Jennifer Tanner at her Bonnie
Doon farmhouse in 1984.

The Director of Public Prosecutions said Tanner would not be charged over
the death because of insufficient admissible evidence.

Tanner quit the force last year with a $300,000 superannuation payout.

Sexual abuse allegations against police.

A police sergeant is being investigated by the Ethical Standards Department
over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The country officer allegedly raped women he had helped place in emergency
accommodation.

In another case, three women who accused a policeman of sexual misconduct
while he was stationed at Maryborough were granted crimes compensation.

A fourth woman has applied for compensation, alleging the same policeman
raped her.

The Office of Public Prosecutions laid charges against the policeman, but
the case did not proceed.

He is now working at another country police station. The Sunday Herald Sun
is aware of the officer's name, but has chosen not to report it.

Mr Savage stressed that he believed the Victoria Police's Ethical Standards
Department did an excellent job investigating complaints against officers.

"But if there is a police issue that the Ombudsman feels should have an
independent perspective, or requires more extensive investigation, he could
refer those cases to the commission," Mr Savage said.

The Ethical Standards Department is headed by Assistant Commissioner Graeme
McDonald and has 176 staff, 138 of whom are sworn police officers.

Its role is to "enhance and promote a culture of high ethical standards
throughout Victoria Police through the effective prevention, deterrence and
investigation of unethical behavior."

Mr Savage, who was a member of the Victoria Police for 26 years, six of
those as station commander at Mildura, said the State Government was aware
of his position.

"Governments tend to be reluctant to go down these paths unless there is
overwhelming evidence that such bodies are needed," Mr Savage said.

"This Government is committed to openness and more accountability, which was
shown when it returned powers to the Auditor-General to check government
spending.

"Taxpayers deserve the same intense scrutiny of all levels of government. We
can always enhance our processes."

Mr Savage suggested a retired judge head an independent commission, but
stressed that the person must not have political connections.

"The organisation should have enhanced investigative powers, more than the
Victoria Police," Mr Savage said.

"Members of the public should be able to refer matters to the commission, as
well as whistle-blowers within public sector agencies."

Mr Savage said a recent case involving a police whistle-blower, who quit the
force after speaking out, showed how difficult it was for police to report
corruption.

"It was a bloody tragedy," the MP said. "A detective who was in charge of
drug exhibits gave out the keys to the police compound.

"The detective was convicted and jailed. The way the police informant was
treated within the force was a disgrace.

"He failed to get support from his peers and command was also suspicious of
him, even though he was the hero of the day.

"It's a criticism of the culture within the force and shows how very
difficult it is for people within the police service to put their hand up
and be courageous and refuse to accept corruption."

The Premier, Steve Bracks, has no plans to change the way police are
investigated.

He said yesterday the deputy ombudsman, who is also the police ombudsman,
had all the necessary powers.

The police ombudsman was independent and capable of probing corruption.

"The system is working very well," Mr Bracks said.