MFB misconduct reviewed
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IBAC says Melbourne’s fire brigade could not protect its own data.
Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has released a report from Operation Turton, revealing a troubling workplace culture at the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) that led to the misuse of sensitive information for personal and industrial gains.
The investigation examined allegations of unauthorised access and disclosure of information by MFB employees, uncovering a pattern of misconduct.
IBAC’s investigation was launched back in 2019, following claims that a network administrator at MFB had accessed the email accounts of MFB executives without authorisation.
It revealed that this was not an isolated event but part of a broader cultural problem where employees lacked trust in management and acted in ways that undermined the organisation's operational integrity.
The report identified five distinct instances in which MFB employees accessed or shared information without proper authorisation.
These actions included the unauthorised access of executive email accounts and the disclosure of MFB data to the United Firefighters Union (UFU), specifically its Victorian Branch and its Secretary, Peter Marshall.
According to IBAC, these breaches were motivated by a desire to further the interests of the UFU and Marshall.
The resulting actions violated privacy protocols, compromised internal investigations, and disrupted MFB’s ability to function effectively.
IBAC Commissioner Victoria Elliott highlighted the ongoing weaknesses in the MFB's information security protocols, emphasising broader risks associated with the brigade's workplace culture at the time.
“The investigation identified key risks at the MFB including workplace culture issues, restrictive industrial relationships requirements, information security weaknesses and a lack of policy and training for information sharing,” said Elliott.
“While union representation is a fundamental right of employees, IBAC found the UFU’s influence over the day-to-day operation and decision making of MFB presented challenges and often hindered the effective administration of the organisation.”
The IBAC report outlined four specific recommendations aimed at Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), which now employs many of the former MFB staff involved.
These recommendations are designed to address long-standing corruption risks and improve the organisation’s workplace culture and information security practices.
The primary recommendation urges FRV to develop clear guidelines on the consultation process between management, employees, and their representatives.
This includes specifying when and how FRV information can be disclosed during such consultations.
The remaining recommendations focus on improving information and communication technology (ICT) security, enhancing internal complaint mechanisms, and promoting a culture of transparency where employees feel empowered to speak up about concerns.
“Operation Turton highlights the crucial importance of developing a healthy workplace culture to deter corruption and misconduct,” said Commissioner Elliott.
“We hope that FRV will continue to engage with its workforce to enhance its information and communication technology systems and processes, addressing the structural and cultural issues identified in Operation Turton.”
IBAC has requested that FRV provide an interim report within six months detailing the steps taken to address the recommendations.
A final report outlining the outcomes is expected within 12 months.