MEDIA RELEASE
Integrity Oversight Victoria welcomes IBAC apology
Date: 3 March 2026
Integrity Oversight Victoria (formerly the Victorian Inspectorate) welcomes the apology issued by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) to Dr Jana Katerinskaja and their children, as an important step forward for integrity and accountability in Victoria.
The apology was delivered by IBAC’s Commissioner before a parliamentary committee on 2 March 2026 in relation to a 2022 Victorian Inspectorate special report titled IBAC’s referral and oversight of Emma’s complaints about Victoria Police’s response to family violence by a police officer — commonly known as the ‘Emma Report’. Dr Katerinskaja has since courageously identified themself publicly as ‘Emma’ in the report.
The Emma Report was critical of IBAC’s handling of complaints made by Dr Katerinskaja concerning Victoria Police’s response to family violence perpetrated by their then-partner, a serving member of the Victoria Police. The report identified systemic issues and significant failures, including delays, inadequate management of conflicts of interest, and a failure to sufficiently consider the safety and welfare risks to Dr Katerinskaja and their children.
In its apology, IBAC acknowledged it should have provided explicit directions addressing conflicts of interest when referring complaints back to Victoria Police and should have actively monitored the investigations in real time. IBAC also accepted that its public response to the Emma Report was inappropriate and insensitive, and that it made inaccurate and misleading assertions in contesting the Victorian Inspectorate’s findings.
Integrity Oversight Victoria’s Chief Integrity Inspector, Louise Macleod, said the apology reflects the importance of integrity agencies holding themselves to the same standards they expect of others.
“The apology from IBAC’s Commissioner is an important step. It demonstrates humility and integrity and the willingness of IBAC to reflect, learn and improve,” the Chief Integrity Inspector said.
“Oversight is not only about legal compliance — it is about understanding the lived experience of those who come to integrity bodies for help, particularly in matters as serious and traumatic as family violence.”
Integrity Oversight Victoria acknowledges the courage shown by Dr Katerinskaja in pursuing accountability and contributing to systemic reform.
“We hope Dr Katerinskaja and their family find some level of comfort in IBAC’s apology and in knowing that their experience is contributing to long-lasting improvements in how police misconduct and family violence matters are handled,” the Chief Integrity Inspector said.
“Leadership and integrity are demonstrated not by perfection, but by acknowledging mistakes and being accountable for meaningful reform.”
Integrity Oversight Victoria notes that IBAC has implemented a range of internal changes since receiving Dr Katerinskaja’s initial complaint, particularly relating to police misconduct and police-perpetrated family violence matters.
Integrity Oversight Victoria’s monitoring project into IBAC’s handling and oversight of complaints about Victoria Police will lead to a report on the effectiveness of these changes.
Legislative settings for police oversight in Victoria are also fundamental to ensuring police misconduct and family violence matters are appropriately handled. The parliamentary committee’s recent report into the adequacy of IBAC’s current legislative framework contains significant recommendations to improve police oversight. Integrity Oversight Victoria urges an outcome that ensures dedicated police oversight by IBAC with appropriate resources to fulfil this important mandate.
Media queries: communications@integrityoversight.vic.gov.au or call 0417 230 503
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