Chief Police Commissioner Christine Nixon announced the resignation of Noel Ashby, the assistant commissioner for traffic, and the suspension of Stephen Linnell, the department's media director, The Australian reported.

Secretly recorded telephone conversations between Ashby and Linnell were played during hearings on police corruption in Victoria. The two men allegedly discussed how to undermine an investigation into leaks from the police force.

Ashby was also recorded passing information to Paul Mullett, head of the union representing police in Victoria.

Linnell allegedly warned a staffer in Premier John Brumby's office that he would be called to testify at a secret hearing by the Office of Public Integrity.