IBAC reveals drug trades
Print
A corruption probe has found a Victorian mayor traded information for drugs.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has uncovered corrupt conduct involving former Moonee Valley City Council Mayor Cameron Nation, according to a report (PDF) tabled in the Victorian state parliament.
The IBAC investigation, known as Operation Leo, revealed that Mr Nation accepted drugs, including cocaine and Xanax, in exchange for progressing planning applications.
This misconduct occurred during his time as mayor between October 2020 and October 2021.
The report detailed how Mr Nation had formed a relationship with a construction manager who supplied him with drugs in return for his assistance on several property-related matters.
IBAC found that on multiple occasions, Mr Nation bypassed council processes to expedite development applications for properties linked to the construction manager.
Text messages uncovered during the investigation showed Mr Nation offering to “sort out” issues for the construction manager in exchange for cocaine.
The investigation also revealed misconduct involving other councillors, including Jacob Bettio and Deputy Mayor Narelle Sharpe.
Both were found to have received benefits from the Essendon Royals Soccer Club (ERSC), including free dinners and an undisclosed club membership.
The investigation explored whether councillors had used their positions to secure preferential outcomes for the ERSC, particularly regarding access to Cross Keys Reserve.
In one instance, Mr Nation and other councillors engaged in “informal” discussions with ERSC officials outside of formal council meetings, without declaring conflicts of interest.
IBAC's report highlighted concerns over the failure of councillors to disclose these benefits.
The investigation noted that councillors, including Mr Nation, Mr Bettio, and Ms Sharpe, received these benefits without declaring them as required under the Moonee Valley City Council's gift policy.
The IBAC report emphasised the councillors' “clear awareness of their conduct” and stated that they had “repeatedly used their positions” to advance personal relationships and interests over the public good.
The investigation into the ERSC also uncovered attempts to influence councillors through financial inducements.
Although no direct payments were proven, the report referenced discussions of potential bribes ranging between $15,000 and $50,000 to secure favourable votes for the soccer club.
In text messages, Mr Nation discussed securing year-round access to Cross Keys Reserve for the ERSC, stating; “If I can get a way of giving them cross keys year-round, then... tell them they need to cough $”.
As a result of these findings, IBAC has recommended that Victoria's councillor code of conduct be updated to include a “clear expectation” that councillors report any suspected corrupt behaviour.
The report also stressed the ongoing risks posed by improper governance and the need for reforms to prevent such conduct from eroding public trust in local government.
Moonee Valley City Council has responded by stating that it is working closely with Municipal Monitors appointed earlier this year to improve transparency and governance.
The council has declined to comment on behalf of current or former councillors named in the IBAC report.