The Courier reported earlier this month, one of the council’s mid-level officers is currently under investigation by the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).

But ratepayers may have to wait months before knowing anything more conclusive with the anti-corruption watchdog outlining some investigations take up a year to be completed.  

IBAC is investigating accusations the senior officer – who has since left the organisation –misappropriated funds. 

It is alleged the officer’s offending was covered up over an extended period of time. The council would not comment on allegations that a current senior manager was also being investigated by the anti-corruption watchdog or if anyone had taken leave due to the probe.  

The council told The Courier it could not comment due to legal reasons. 

Guidelines set out by IBAC said the duration of investigations depended on the complexity and nature of the allegations.

The Courier has chosen not to identify the former staff member for legal reasons. The claims come during a council election year. 

Some councillors have voiced fears they could lose their jobs or face serious legal consequences including jail, if they spoke to the media about the current investigation. 

The Courier understands a confidential meeting was held between councillors and senior management last month in which basic information about the investigation was provided to staff.  

However, Ballarat mayor Des Hudson told The Courier he did not foresee the investigation having any impacts on the impending council election in October.   

While Cr Hudson declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation, citing legal reasons, he said he didn’t believe it would impact current councillors chances of being re-elected.