One of Victoria’s most eminent and well-respected jurists has been appointed to head the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings today announced that the Honourable Justice Robert Redlich has been appointed as the IBAC Commissioner for a five year term, commencing 1 January 2018.
Justice Redlich has an impressive legal history, having been a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria for 15 years, including 11 years as a Victorian Court of Appeal Judge. He was previously a member of the Victorian Bar for some 30 years and served for a period as Chairman of the Victorian Bar Council.
A proud Victorian and Honours graduate of Melbourne University, Justice Redlich’s significant achievements in legal practice were recognised with his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1984.
Justice Redlich brings extensive direct experience to IBAC, including the investigation of corrupt practices both within the public service and the police. This includes both successfully prosecuting and defending cases involving corrupt practices.
While an appellate judge he has written authoritatively on the elements of the offence of misconduct in public office and on the use of coercive powers by investigative agencies.
Justice Redlich was counsel assisting in the Richmond Council Inquiry which examined corruption at a local government level. He was appointed a Special Prosecutor for the Commonwealth to take civil and criminal proceedings arising from the Costigan and Stewart Royal Commissions.
IBAC’s role is to receive complaints and notifications of public sector corruption and police misconduct, to investigate and expose corruption and to inform the public sector and the community about the risks, impacts and ways to prevent corruption.
IBAC operates independently of government, and reports directly to Parliament.
Quotes attributable to Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings
“Robert Redlich brings nearly 50 years’ experience as a prominent Barrister and most recently as a Supreme Court Judge to this important role that ensures the integrity of Victoria’s public sector.”
“With his extensive knowledge of internal investigations and experience as a Special Prosecutor for the Commonwealth Government, Mr Redlich is ideally placed to continue IBAC’s excellent work.”
“I want to thank IBAC’s first Commissioner, Stephen O’Bryan QC, for his work establishing and growing the commission during his term – Victoria is a better place for his leadership and careful judgement over this time.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020