Guide Dogs Victoria’s board – which claims to have been unaware of political spruiking by its ousted CEO Karen Hayes – was alerted to serious concerns of similar activity almost decade ago.

Guide Dogs Victoria delivered just 40 guide dogs last financial year - the same number as a decade ago - despite receiving over $21 million in revenue.

The general manager responsible for communications at Guide Dogs Victoria has left the embattled group, along with its chief financial officer.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal made over 1,200 illegal payments to unnamed senior officials.

At least seven top public officials have been allegedly illegally paid for holding two jobs at the same time - department bosses told “seek legal advice”.

Australia's most powerful department has failed to complete a secret Ombudsman direction to review hundreds of senior public appointments over illegality concerns.