2022: Governing with integrity

Commissioner Robert Redlich AM, QC

Thursday 20 October 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of public trust in governments to make decisions that keep us safe. Meanwhile, recent public sector reviews and investigations have questioned the integrity of ministers, their advisors and the public service that supports them.

What does it mean for executive government to hold the public’s trust? How are failures by public officials to observe that trust exposed?

On the occasion of the 2022 John Barry Memorial Lecture in Criminology, IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich will discuss the rise of soft corruption, or unethical behaviour that can erode public trust. He will explore the factors that make government vulnerable to soft corruption: centralised power and increasingly influential political advisors, resulting in diminished ministerial accountability and a less independent public service.

Commissioner Redlich will also examine the role and limitations of integrity agencies in overseeing soft corruption. What must be done to restore and maintain public trust in government?

Commissioner Robert Redlich AM, QC

The Honourable Robert Redlich AM, QC commenced a five-year term as IBAC Commissioner on 1 January 2018.

Commissioner Redlich came to IBAC with extensive experience including the investigation of corrupt practices within the public service and the police. He has successfully prosecuted and defended cases involving corrupt practices.

Commissioner Redlich was 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. His significant achievements in legal practice were recognised with his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1984.