IBAC found a developer gave two Casey councillors more than $550,000 each in payments and benefits while they backed his planning applications
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What happened
IBAC's Operation Sandon special report, tabled July 2023, found a web of gifts, hospitality and payments from developer John Woodman aimed at influencing City of Casey council decisions on planning and rezoning in Cranbourne West. IBAC reported that Cr Geoff Ablett received more than $550,000 and Cr Sam Aziz around $600,000 from Woodman or his entities, that both voted for Woodman's planning applications, and that both failed on many occasions to declare conflicts of interest. Woodman and both councillors denied wrongdoing. On September 3, 2025, IBAC announced charges against a former Casey councillor (five offences including receiving secret commissions and misconduct in public office) and a property-development consultant (giving secret commissions); they were to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court. The charges are allegations and have not been tested in court.
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