As Melbourne’s gangland war gathered momentum during the late 1990s, another battle was being fought within the police force by one brave cop.
Young detective sergeant Simon Illingworth had joined the force to serve the public and make a difference. His world was forever shattered when he confronted police corruption head-on. Watching Melbourne’s toughest killers working alongside his own colleagues made him sick to the guts. Simon soon discovered the price for standing up against them was death threats and isolation.
A spate of events finally sent him to the point of no return. He was brutally bashed – not by crooks but other policemen from an entrenched corrupt brotherhood. A witness preparing to give court evidence against police was then found dead in an execution-style murder. And an underworld crim who was given Simon Illingworth’s address was caught in possession of eight guns, night vision goggles and a silencer.
Betrayed by the brotherhood, THE AGE, 28 May 2004
In May 2004, after 17 years in Victoria Police, Simon brought about culture change in Victoria Police after appearing on ABC TV’s Australian Story. Fearing for his life, this brave copper went public about the crisis facing the police force, in an episode of Australian Story that stopped the nation.
He spoke honestly about Melbourne’s gangland killings and the corrupt police brotherhood that assisted and harboured them.
Simon Illingworth left the police force after 4 years working with police internal affairs in Victoria, rooting out crooked officers. He now runs his own company, Ethical Strength, and is the recipient of a bravery award from the Governor of Victoria.
Other Awards Simon has received
Royal Humane Society of Australasia Bravery Award
Sir Vincent Fairfax Fellow
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Certificate
Leadership Commendations
Commendation for Bravery and Restraint
AusDavos Future Summit awardee (2005 Australian leadership awardees)
Bravehearts Ambassador
Aust.of the Year nominations
Pride of Aust. nomination
Perelberg award winner (2004 Perelberg award)
Gordon Donaldson and Harry Perelberg
Simon Illingworth (’85) was presented with the 2004 Perelberg Award. The following is a transcript of the Principal’s announcement: ‘I spoke earlier of the importance of developing a set of principles for living, to enable one to tackle some of the difficult issues that life will inevitably bring. I am about to introduce someone who epitomises the concept of living according to principles – even in the face of very obvious personal cost.’
In 2005, his autobiography, ‘filthy rat’ became a best seller and is still selling.
Simon left the police as one of the most highly experienced anti-corruption investigators in Australia and through Ethical Strength he uses his experience and knowledge of corruption, ethical decision making and leadership to support and build positive cultures in organisations worldwide.
hi Simon, I THANK YOU for helping Australia to be a better place to live in. I have a lot of trouble really trying to trust the Higher Authorities in Australia, for me i live in Karingal. I am 50 years of age. After raising my children (and husband, now ex-husband, but now we live under his roof, all as a family of 6 for the first time without outrageous ,bizzar fight, it is now lovely and quiet, first tim ever)i believed i was to become a security guard. First job was at a night club, i learnt very swiftly (for me) I cannot TRUST higher authorities. I was disgusted with what THEY would do. BUT my BUZZ working hard at the club was wanding, bag search, particular type of body search without touching, id get people so happy and relaxed id find all sorts of drugs, (this is when i believei started to learn and grow up) at times id restrain patrons ,take them outside to other guards, report to police,throw drugs on the ground in front of patrons and see them squirm. Sometimes td say “what would youre mother say!?” It felt great because the mums and dads would get to spend another week with their children ALIVE, I hope one day i can climb the ranks fo security,and be as ETHICAL as YOU. Thank You, believe the MAKER of this UNIVERSE has had more than his HAND on YOU, HE has more than PRESERVED YOU and YOURE WHOLE FAMILY< may the MAKER BLESS YOU and YOURE FAMILY with wonderful blessings. Myself and my ex-husband have something that is very valueable (not items, nor finance) we have report of 20years. WW2 Veteran missing His 71 years.suspected foul play. We find out 2010, it is We have stuff, pictures etc to proove it. know . ? You have more than scruples. The EX , is angry, frustrated etc, you know what i mean.Have you ever watched the Trueman Show? The EX is Trueman Burbank,But there are twists with my EX.. WW2 Veteran is my EXs dad but not the fake mother ,what he believed to be his bio sister is not,. fake mother was a horror etc.Fake sister and 2nd and husband,) have done alledgedly cover up. we need help. particular people alledgedly been paid off.Australian co. we believe has been stolen illegely.worth fist full of dogh.many people know, we pictures 0428924611 contact if you can please regards (dizza) ps we have been trying to find true mum, identity is mixed up and awful, shocking please take of comment before this one..
Simon
I am watching a re-run of the Australian Story program and I wanted to thank you for taking a stand against corruption. I never want to live in a country like some of our northern neighbours where anything can be bought and where a corrupt elite rule with no regard to those below them.
Thank you for standing up for what is right and defending our way of life.
Alex