Overview

• Sameh Aziz and John Charles Woodman appeared via videolink in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court as charges were formally filed.
• Aziz faces five counts, including receiving secret commissions, misconduct in public office and misuse of position, while Woodman is charged with giving secret commissions.
• Prosecutors were ordered to provide a brief of evidence by December 4, with a committal mention scheduled for February 2.
• IBAC alleges Aziz and another councillor accepted nearly $1.2 million to promote Woodman and his clients’ interests without declaring conflicts of interest.
• Both men have previously denied the allegations following Operation Sandon’s public hearings and the release of IBAC’s 2023 final report.