Victoria Police are probing the alleged theft of over $100,000 from a council-funded lobby. 

The funds, allegedly misappropriated by a former staff member, are said to have been stolen over several years from the G21 Geelong Region Alliance, a Victorian advocacy group funded by five local councils. 

The suspected fraud reportedly surfaced during a 2021 internal audit.

G21 CEO Giulia Baggio has told reporters that “historic financial irregularities” were identified, prompting immediate referral to authorities and tighter financial controls. 

G21 has not disclosed the total amount or timeline of the alleged theft, but it has been alleged to exceed $100,000.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The ABC was first to report the probe, prompting local councillors to demand more transparency from publicly funded bodies like G21. 

Colac Otway Shire councillor Tosh-Jake Finnigan has criticised the lack of disclosure, saying; “This is ratepayer money... G21 hasn't said anything until approached by the ABC”. 

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