Corrupt Vic bureaucrats to be punished

Corruption exposed in Victoria's education department will be cleaned up and perpetrators punished, Education Minister James Merlino says.

Anti-corruption hearings have been told how public servants allegedly stole money from needy schools, with the department secretary promising to fix "systemic weaknesses".

"I hope this has sent a very clear message to government agencies and employees across Victoria that corruption, misconduct and dishonest behaviour will not be tolerated," Mr Merlino said on Tuesday.