Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder

Summary

The report's own summary: 1 Summary of investigation and outcomes, pages 7 to 12

In the body's own words

1. Finding

   IBAC’s investigation found Mr Hardinge took Bendigo Health property and materials without proper authorisation, and circumvented the usual procurement controls in place at Bendigo Health for the benefit of himself and certain contractors.

   Operation_Liverpool_special_report_March_2017_mFF428zt, page 8

2. Finding

   The investigation also found that on a number of occasions Mr Mulder engaged in conduct contrary to the Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct and Bendigo Health’s stated organisational values.

   Operation_Liverpool_special_report_March_2017_mFF428zt, page 8

3. Finding

   IBAC has also identified organisational and systemic corruption vulnerabilities at Bendigo Health that facilitated this conduct.

   Operation_Liverpool_special_report_March_2017_mFF428zt, page 8

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 7

1. Recommendation 1

   That Bendigo Health thoroughly review its integrity and corruption prevention policies and procedures in the following areas to ensure the vulnerabilities identified in Operation Liverpool have been addressed, and that employees fully understand their obligations: a. code of conduct and values b. gifts, benefits and hospitality c. conflict of interest d. audit and risk management.

   Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder (tabled PDF), page 12

2. Recommendation 2

   That Bendigo Health consider the introduction of a ‘declarable associations’ policy to require employees to identify, declare and manage associations that may be incompatible with an employee’s professional responsibilities.

   Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder (tabled PDF), page 12

3. Recommendation 3

   That Bendigo Health thoroughly review the policies, procedures and practices in the following areas to ensure the corruption vulnerabilities identified in Operation Liverpool have been addressed: a. procurement b. asset management c. information security, particularly in relation to tendering information for major projects.

   Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder (tabled PDF), page 12

4. Recommendation 4

   That Bendigo Health review its training to ensure employees’ understanding of relevant policies and procedures. Further, that training specifically addresses corruption risks and ethical dilemmas, and is tailored for employees in identified high-risk positions (such as employees with responsibility for procurement).

   Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder (tabled PDF), page 12

5. Recommendation 5

   That Bendigo Health confirm that all goods and services provided to Mr Mulder in a private capacity have been paid for in full.

   Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder (tabled PDF), page 12

6. Recommendation 6

   That Bendigo Health report back to IBAC on action taken in relation to recommendations 1 to 5 by 30 September 2017. This report will be published on IBAC’s website.

   Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder (tabled PDF), page 12

7. Recommendation 7

   That the Department of Health and Human Services consider the issues raised in Operation Liverpool and whether similar vulnerabilities could exist in other Victorian health services. The Department is to report to IBAC by 30 September 2017 on steps taken to address any such vulnerabilities in the broader health sector.

   Operation Liverpool: An investigation into the conduct of two officers of Bendigo Health, Adam Hardinge and John Mulder (tabled PDF), page 12

Published responses

Responses to this report have not been checked.

Notes on this record

• Tabled: Legislative Assembly 2017-03-09; Legislative Council 2017-03-09.

Coverage

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