Victoria's corruption watchdog delivers its verdict on the Andrews government | 7.30

Operation Richmond's Release [0:00]

• Victoria's longest-running IBAC investigation, Operation Richmond, has released its findings after eight years.
• The report details significant misconduct by numerous public officials, including ministers and members of Parliament.

• "Victorians rightfully expect their public officials to act in accordance with their obligations without fear or influence and the conduct exposed in Operation Richmond does not meet those expectations."

Legal Challenges and Union Pushback [0:39]

• The report's publication was delayed due to legal challenges, notably from United Firefighters Union State Secretary Peter Marshall.
• Marshall criticized the report as "extremely creative writing" and claimed "most of it is not tested."

• "But what I do say about this report, it's extremely creative writing. And as I said, most of it is not tested."

"Backroom Deal" and Corruption Risks [1:09]

• The IBAC investigation concerned negotiations around the 2016 EBA between the Government and the United Firefighters Union.
• Former Premier Daniel Andrews sidelined then-Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett and orchestrated a deal behind her back.

• "We did find that he authorised the then Special Minister of State, Mr Gavin Jennings, with the assistance of the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to conduct an undisclosed backroom deal with the Secretary of the United Firefighters Union, Mr Peter Marshall, and their actions in conducting this deal was contrary to government policy procedures, their respective codes of conduct conventions."

Narrow Definition of Corrupt Conduct [2:18]

• Despite serious findings, the conduct did not meet the definition of corrupt conduct under Victorian legislation, which requires a criminal offense.

• "Despite the very serious findings that were made, they do not fit squarely with the definition of corrupt conduct in the Victorian legislation. It is just too narrowly defined. There has to be a criminal offence before it can amount to corrupt conduct."

Union Boss's Influence and Behavior [2:56]

• The report revealed how Peter Marshall attempted to influence ministers, with Jane Garrett describing him as having a "very violent temper" and being "relentless, very abusive, very threatening."
• Marshall sent text messages to Minister Jennings at 1:15 am, 1:16 am, and 1:20 am on May 4, 2016, expressing concern about the deal.

• "And how many times do you want me to say that did not happen?"

Government's Response to Inappropriate Behavior [4:02]

• The government, including Daniel Andrews, did not take visible or effective action to address Marshall's "inappropriate behaviour."
• This exposed individuals to harm, set poor cultural standards, and fostered perceptions of favoritism.

• "The Government of the day, including Mr Andrews, did not take visible or effective action to deal with the inappropriate behaviour of Mr Marshall."

Amplified Viewpoints and Pressure [4:37]

• Peter Marshall's views on matters beyond the EBA were amplified within government circles.
• An adviser reported Marshall "literally losing his mind" over a lawyer he disliked, leading to the lawyer's removal from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

• "Like, I remember he would, he would just call me and call me a ."

Privileged Access and Ministerial Deliberations [5:19]

• Minister Lisa Neville acknowledged Marshall would call her two to four times a day and introduced her to his preferred choice for the new Commissioner of Fire Rescue Victoria.
• IBAC found Neville's stakeholder management created "significant opportunities" for Marshall to exert influence by giving him privileged access.

• "He took me to a table and I had to shake hands with the Canadian Fire Chief. But that was fine. That was all he did."

Former Premier's Denial and New Premier's Vow [6:11]

• Daniel Andrews stated there is "no evidence whatsoever to support the false and completely outrageous claims that I've been blackmailed."
• New Premier Ben Carroll vowed to accept all recommendations, calling the behavior "intolerable."

• "Operation Richmond finds there is no evidence whatsoever to support the false and completely outrageous claims that I've been blackmailed to force a favorable outcome for the United Firefighters Union."