Serey was not at the press conference.

In its final report,the anti-corruption watchdog foundSerey accepted donations from Woodman between 2014 and 2018 that supported her state election campaigns and “voted on council motions in a way that consistently supported his interests without declaring a conflict of interest during that period”.

Woodman’s press conference also made reference to another former Casey mayor,Amanda Stapledon,whotook her own life last year while she was being investigated as part of Operation Sandon.

Coroner David Ryan has criticised IBAC over its dealings with Stapledon andrecommended a review of the agency’s policies.

Woodman spoke mostly on the merits of Casey’s planning decisions. While IBAC did look at those decisions and how they were made,the watchdog’s focus was on whether the council’s governance had been corrupted.

IBAC declined to comment on Monday.

Woodman said he last spoke toPremier Daniel Andrews one-on-one in 2010,but planning matters were not discussed.

“It’s inappropriate and certainly didn’t happen,” he said.

Woodman also denied being a property developer altogether. “I’m a consultant,” he said.

When a journalist pointed out Aziz wanted to say something,Woodman interjected:“This man is not speaking,I don’t think. He’s lost his voice. He’s got a cold.”

Aziz insisted he wanted to speak. He took to the microphone stand to deny taking bribes,despite IBAC stating in its final report that Woodmanhad directly paid Aziz and fellow councillor Ablett for their support.

Woodman then returned to the microphones and said of Aziz:“He’s forgetting who paid for this.”

In the property developer’s closing remarks,he said:“Gentlemen,I have finished the press conference,and I’d thank you to leave.”

He then sat at the back of the room with his legs crossed while Aziz continued answering reporters’ questions. The former mayor insisted he flew to Egypt in 2020 to look into a job opportunity,not to avoid interrogation by Victorian authorities.

Shortly before Monday’s media event,a group spearheaded by Woodman released a document called “Operation Sandon:The Real Perspective”. That document claimed others interviewed by IBAC have suffered suicidal ideation,financial ruin and family breakdowns.

However,integrity experts say IBAC’s Operation Sandon report showsthe watchdog needs more powers,not less.

Accountability Round Table chair and former Democrats senator Lyn Allison has also urged Andrews to implement all the agency’s recent recommendations.

“NSW banned donations from property developers more than a decade ago,” Allison said. “All other states should do likewise.”

Lifeline 13 11 14

With Lachlan Abbott

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up here.