Operation Dunham: An investigation into the conduct of officers of the Department of Education and Training, including Darrell Fraser, in connection with the Ultranet project and related matters

Summary

The report's own summary: 1 Summary of investigation and outcomes, pages 9 to 13

In the body's own words

1. Finding

   Operation Dunham exposed a range of improper actions and behaviours by senior departmental staff (including Mr Fraser) that effectively corrupted the tender process.

   Operation_Dunham_special_report_January_2017_Q8233Kkg, page 11

2. Finding

   Those shortcomings include a failure of the lines of defence and a culture that excused or ignored breaches of probity and process.

   Operation_Dunham_special_report_January_2017_Q8233Kkg, page 12

3. Conclusion

   The lack of transparency, accountability, oversight and risk mitigation around the commercial ventures is a significant concern.

   Operation_Dunham_special_report_January_2017_Q8233Kkg, page 31

Findings, opinions and statements

Allegations are not findings. A commission's finding or opinion of corrupt conduct or misconduct is not a finding that a person is guilty of a criminal offence, and the commissions say so in their reports.

No findings are reproduced in this record. This does not establish that the report contains none.

Recommendations 4

1. Recommendation 1

   The Secretary of the Department of Education and Training to provide IBAC with a detailed progress report by 30 September 2017 on the implementation of its reform program to address the issues identified in Operation Dunham, with a final report demonstrating the effectiveness of these reforms provided by 30 March 2018. These reports will be published on IBAC’s website.

   Operation Dunham: An investigation into the conduct of officers of the Department of Education and Training, including Darrell Fraser, in connection with the Ultranet project and related matters (tabled PDF), page 13

2. Recommendation 2

   The Secretary’s reports are to: a. conduct a review of current arrangements governing how schools and other work areas pursue and respond to commercial opportunities, to ensure appropriate controls apply around transparency, accountability, central oversight and risk minimisation b. advise on action taken to strengthen internal procurement and governance arrangements for major projects to ensure accountability and transparency, including proper record keeping, maintenance of conflict of interest registers, and proper documentation of complaints regarding probity.

   Operation Dunham: An investigation into the conduct of officers of the Department of Education and Training, including Darrell Fraser, in connection with the Ultranet project and related matters (tabled PDF), page 13

3. Recommendation 3

   The Victorian Public Sector Commission to consider the implementation of a ban on public sector employees receiving any gift, benefit or hospitality from a current or prospective supplier.

   Operation Dunham: An investigation into the conduct of officers of the Department of Education and Training, including Darrell Fraser, in connection with the Ultranet project and related matters (tabled PDF), page 13

4. Recommendation 4

   The Department of Treasury and Finance to consider the issues raised in this report to identify if there are opportunities for further improvements to Gateway reviews3 and high-value, high risk-reviews in relation to probity and governance.

   Operation Dunham: An investigation into the conduct of officers of the Department of Education and Training, including Darrell Fraser, in connection with the Ultranet project and related matters (tabled PDF), page 13

Published responses

Responses to this report have not been checked.

Notes on this record

• Tabled: Legislative Assembly 2017-02-08; Legislative Council 2017-02-07.

Coverage

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