By Renee Wood
VicForests has referred itself to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption commission following an external investigation into claims the originisation was surveilling an environmentalist.
In November 2021, VicForests ordered an external investigation to find any evidence to confirm or deny allegations that a private investigator was hired in 2010 and 2011 to spy on Toolangi environmentalist Sarah Rees following claims aired by the ABC.
Now, the state owned logging business has updated the statement on 5 April stating that it has referred itself to IBAC.
“Matters arising from the independent investigation have been referred by VicForests to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission. VicForests will be making no further comment,” it reads.
It follows Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens Ellen Sandell issuing a letter to IBAC outlaying her complaints on the matter following the ABC report.
“This can’t continue to go on unchecked. We need a proper, independent investigation as soon as possible,” Ms Sandell said.
An IBAC spokesperson confirmed Ms Sandell’s complaint to Star Mail last year.
“Every complaint is assessed in accordance with the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Act 2011 to determine whether IBAC will investigate, refer it to another organisation for investigation, or dismiss it. As a matter of practice, IBAC will not be commenting further on the status of this complaint,” they said.
RSM Australia was hired to conduct the investigation on VicForests and the report is yet to be released.
Premier Daniel Andrews responded to the news VicForests referred itself to IBAC at a press conference last week.
“They’re at arm’s length from the government, they’ve made that decision,” Mr Andrews said.
“It’s not for me to tell people whether they should or shouldn’t act in that way. But it’s also not for me to comment on what may well be active integrity agency matters.”
“Let’s wait and see what IBAC says and let them do their job if they choose to follow those matters up.”
