Former FICAC Commissioner and legal expert Barbara Malimali has praised the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for its thorough and independent evaluation of police files connected to the Commission of Inquiry. In her recent social media comments, Malimali expressed her appreciation for the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions and the senior management team who appointed experienced state prosecutors without prior involvement in the case.
Malimali emphasized the importance of the review process, highlighting that the investigation files underwent scrutiny at various levels before being forwarded for independent assessment to Ian Lloyd KC. She stood firmly behind Lloyd’s credentials, noting his distinguished background, which includes serving as a judge in the Court of Appeal in the significant case of Qarase v Bainimarama and becoming King’s Counsel in 1989. Furthermore, she pointed out his pioneering role as the first General Counsel for the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption.
She urged the public not to compare a seasoned King’s Counsel with decades of experience to less experienced individuals of questionable legal standing. Malimali also addressed broader implications, urging a reassessment of public perception regarding her appointment. She dismissed the prevailing narrative that she was appointed to shield politicians and encouraged the public to consider who stands to gain from her absence at FICAC, which she deemed an underutilized body.
In her remarks, Malimali raised critical questions regarding the impact of FICAC’s limited focus on politicians and junior civil servants. She questioned whether corruption and drug-related crimes could have escalated if FICAC had been effectively utilized. By doing so, she underscored the need for the public to recognize who benefits from a weakened anti-corruption institution, suggesting that recent developments have illuminated more profound systemic challenges.
This discourse highlights the importance of a robust anti-corruption framework and invites a renewed discussion on the role and function of institutions like FICAC in enhancing transparency and integrity within governance.
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