5 February 2025
In September 2024, we charged a former officer of an agency that we oversee with wilfully making a false or misleading statement during the course of one of our investigations.
Wilfully giving a statement to the Victorian Inspectorate that a person knows to be false or misleading, whether it is sworn or unsworn, is a criminal offence under section 97 of the Victorian Inspectorate Act 2011. It is also an offence to mislead or try to mislead a Victorian Inspectorate officer when they are performing their role. Such actions can attract a fine of up to $23,710 or 12 months in prison or both.
The former officer took responsibility for their actions, and the prosecution was resolved in January 2025 with them entering a diversion program. This means the charge will be struck out by the court if they are of good behaviour for the next 6 months.
This prosecution serves as an important reminder to those involved in any investigation to always do so truthfully and in accordance with their lawful duties.
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