Watchdog’s T2D scope released: Transport Dept in sights
ICAC has released the terms of reference for its evaluation of the state’s most expensive infrastructure project, after claims of bikie links.
The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) has announced the terms of reference for an evaluation of the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington project.
It would include assessing the practices, policies and procedures of the Infrastructure and Transport Department, focusing on procurement and contract management controls for the T2D project, ICAC announced.
The Commissioner’s findings and recommendations will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament some time next year.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said in State Parliament this afternoon that the government “takes the threat of organised crime seriously. We have zero tolerance for corruption or criminal infiltration of publicly funded projects.”
“Of particular importance is the examination of eligibility and suitability criteria for businesses seeking to tender or be selected for contracts,” he said.
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“This additional layer of independent scrutiny by ICAC will complement the work already being undertaken by the department and the T2D Alliance.”
ICAC Commissioner Emma Townsend announced the evaluation on October 26 following reports of a T2D contractor having links to bikies.
Today, she said: “In the interests of producing timely and thorough findings, and noting the considerable community interest in this matter, I have determined that ICAC’s evaluation will focus on the T2D Project.”
“We will look closely at how contractors and subcontractors are screened before being engaged, how their ongoing suitability and integrity are monitored throughout the life of a contract, and whether there are effective mechanisms to identify, escalate and respond to potential risks, including changes in business ownership or control,” Townsend said.
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“I anticipate many of the evaluation findings will have broader applicability to other major infrastructure projects.”
Malinauskas said the review would look into the respective roles and responsibilities and governance arrangements between the Department and the T2D Alliance.
Townsend’s evaluation would also see if any improvements or measures could be identified that, if implemented, could prevent and minimise the risk of corruption within the River Torrens to Darlington Project.
The project methodology is yet to be finalised, but the evaluation would draw upon resources including public submissions, interviews, and reviews of procedures, policies and documents, ICAC announced.
Public submissions are now open until January 15, 2027.
“Noting the size of the T2D Project and volume of contractual arrangements in place, the evaluation will also consider a representative sample of contracts to identify strengths and opportunities to improve oversight and governance at a systemic level,” Townsend said.
“Information about suspected corruption relating to specific contractual arrangements should continue to be reported to the Office for Public Integrity.”
It followed an announcement last week that the consortium of companies building the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project has suspended its contract with a commercial cleaning company connected to a firm that was allegedly infiltrated by bikies.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Joe Szakacs together announced that the T2D Alliance had suspended the contract with LYLA, blaming the decision on the commercial cleaning company having a common shareholding with labour hire firm Career Boss Australia.
Last month, it was revealed that a member of the outlaw Comanchero bikie gang was involved in court proceedings with Career Boss, a company that had been providing labour hire services on the mammoth infrastructure project.
It was also revealed that Career Boss Australia’s contract had been terminated.
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