THE LATEST
Specialist Local Government Watchdog Appointed
Local government wrongdoers have been put on notice, with the appointment of Michael Stefanovic AM as
Victoria’s new Chief Municipal Inspector.
Mr Stefanovic will protect the integrity of local governments by monitoring and investigating complaints about
council operations, elections and prosecuting anyone in breach of the Local Government Act 2020.
Playing an important role within the Local Government Inspectorate, Mr Stefanovic will make sure Victorian
councils play by the rules, while encouraging transparency and accountability across the sector.
Mr Stefanovic has 35 years of experience, undertaking complex investigations in high-risk environments both within
Australia and abroad.
An expert in his field, having led teams specialising in fraud, corruption and misconduct investigations with the
World Bank in Washington DC, he also served as the Director of the Investigations Division at the United Nations in
New York.
Since November 2020, he has been the Director for Compliance Operations with COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria.
Prior to this, Mr Stefanovic was the Director of Investigations for the Royal Commission into the Management of
Police Informants.
His experience extends to post-conflict environments, having served as a United Nations war crimes investigator in
The Hague, Chief Resident Investigator in UN peacekeeping missions and a member of specialist teams engaged by
the US State Department to investigate crimes against humanity in Myanmar (2018) and Darfur (2004).
In 2018, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, following significant services to international relations.
Mr Stefanovic began his career in the Victoria Police ranks, which included time with the Homicide and Drug Squads.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes
“Michael Stefanovic has investigated corruption and misconduct in some of the world’s toughest conditions – we
have every confidence he will uphold our councils to the high standard we all expect.”
“Mr Stefanovic brings tremendous experience and most importantly, a pursuit of fairness and accountability. I would
like to congratulate him and look forward to seeing the positive impact he’s bound to make.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
“Councils do a fantastic job, but we must ensure they follow the rules and put their communities first. I look forward
to working with Michael Stefanovic on strengthening governance across the sector.” .
The Local Government Inspectorate’s Annual Report 2019-20
provides information on our progress in strengthening the integrity, accountability and transparency of local government in Victoria.
The Inspectorate received and assessed 272 complaints and completed 56 investigations for the year. As with many public and private sector organisations, COVID-19 provided additional challenges to the Inspectorate’s work and the transition to remote working required staff to find new ways to continue ongoing investigations and preparations for the 2020 local council elections.
Acting Chief Municipal Inspector Dr John Lynch said:
In these unprecedented times, coronavirus has shown us that transparency in local government is vital. It has also shown us the value in having a robust integrity system which can oversee the decisions made on our behalf—even if they are taking place behind closed doors.
Acting IBAC Deputy Commissoner
Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, IBAC, today welcomed the appointment of Ms Kylie Kilgour as IBAC’s new Acting Deputy Commissioner.
Ms Kilgour was appointed by the Governor in Council.
Most recently the CEO of the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants, Ms Kilgour has held various senior leadership roles with the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
IBAC Commissioner, the Honourable Robert Redlich AM, QC said “In her role as Acting Deputy Commissioner, Ms Kilgour will focus on IBAC’s independent police oversight, helping to ensure that the conduct of Victoria Police officers is lawful, ethical and professional.
“Ms Kilgour’s significant expertise and deep understanding of police regulatory, integrity and administration matters will ensure IBAC’s capacity to expose and prevent corruption and police misconduct continues while recruitment is undertaken to fill this important role on an ongoing basis in the new year,” Commissioner Redlich said.
Ms Kilgour will commence her acting term on 18 January 2021.