Vic solicitor to lead anti-corruption body

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Victoria’s corruption watchdog has appointed a new leader.

Public sector leader and legal practitioner Marlo Baragwanath has been named chief executive officer of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, starting in January.

Baragwanath is currently the Victorian government solicitor. Appointed in 2016, she is the first woman to hold the role. 

At the time, she said she hoped her achievement would inspire people.

“I’m really proud to be the first woman appointed to the position,” she had told ABC News.

“But given that it is 2016 and with the number of women in law and in law faculties at universities being around 50% women, I think since the 1980s, and the number of women in the public sector, I really think that it’s about time.”

Baragwanath will also be IBAC’s first female CEO, replacing Alistair Maclean.

The experienced lawyer began her public sector career as a senior policy officer at Ombudsman Victoria, and has since worked at the Department of Justice, WorkSafe, and the Victorian Building Authority.

IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich said Baragwanath’s leadership skills and legal expertise in government would be of great benefit to the commission.

“Ms Baragwanath will build on the significant legacy of IBAC’s founding CEO, Alistair Maclean, who has successfully steered IBAC through its first seven years,” he said.

“Ms Baragwanath’s experience in providing independent advice to government and working within an investigative environment, coupled with her demonstrated skills in leadership, will provide IBAC with the opportunity to strengthen our important work of preventing and exposing public sector corruption and police misconduct.”

Baragwanath noted that the commission has been recognised for its work in preventing public sector corruption and police misconduct.

“IBAC has built a solid foundation as a capable and robust integrity body. I look forward to leading one of Victoria’s key integrity agencies through this important role,” she said.