Mr Carey, of Bendigo, is facing 42 charges from the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission for deception offences allegedly committed while he was an employee of City of Ballarat council.

He has since served in the role with Bendigo Pools, contracted to Belgravia Leisure.

A spokesperson for the company said an audit is already in progress.

City of Greater Bendigo active and healthy communities manager Lincoln Fitzgerald said the council had made contact with Belgravia Leisure.

“The city has advised the contractor to undertake an audit and may decide to undertake its own audit,” he said.

EARLIER: VICTORIA’S Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission has laid charges against former Bendigo Lady Braves coach Lukas Peter Carey.

Mr Carey, of Bendigo, is facing 42 charges related to allegedly obtaining financial advantage by deception while an employee of the City of Ballarat council.

The former sport and recreation manager and basketball coach is due to appear in the Victorian Magistrates’ Court for a filing hearing in Ballarat on December 15.

Three former contractors to the city also face related charges after IBAC’s investigation earlier this year into Ballarat City Council.

IBAC released a press statement today advising of the charges.

“Victoria’s anti-corruption commission IBAC has charged a former employee of the City of Ballarat Council with procurement related deception offences and with soliciting secret commissions.

“Court proceedings will commence at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on 15 December 2016.”

The City of Ballarat released a statement today acknowledging the charges, and would make no further statement beyond “confirming the charges do not apply to anyone who has left the organisation after late November 2015”.

IBAC’s original investigation began earlier in the year and councillors at the time voiced fears they could lose their jobs or face serious legal consequences, including jail, if they spoke to the media about the investigation. 

A City of Ballarat audit committee said at the time its meetings were “strictly confidential” and refused to reveal if concerns about the case were raised. ​

A spokesman for Victorian local government minister Natalie Hutchins declined to comment and directed any questions on matters in relation to corruption in councils to IBAC.

Two other people, who Fairfax Media has chosen not to name at this time, have been charged, and a third has charges pending filing.