For the first time in its history the ACT Integrity Commission has publicly confirmed a decision to investigate.
The confirmation follows media reports on over $8.5 million worth of consultancy contracts awarded by the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
Confirming his investigation, Commissioner Michael Adams said that since 2018, CIT had awarded four contracts to ThinkGarden and Redrouge Nominees which, according to an ABC report, are both run by the same person.
Commissioner Adams said this was the first time since its inception (2019) the ACT Integrity Commission has publicly confirmed a decision to investigate. H he made it clear however that this would not become standard practice.
“Commission investigations are almost always conducted covertly, particularly in their early stages,” Commissioner Adams said
“This minimises the risk of the investigation, or indeed the safety and reputation of witnesses and other persons of interest, being compromised,” he said.
“Public announcements about investigations will only be made where there are substantial countervailing reasons for doing so.”
Commissioner Adams said he chose to confirm the investigation following recent public discourse in the media and the ACT Legislative Assembly, “which clearly pointed to the high likelihood that an investigation by the Commission would occur, and the need to take steps to ensure the integrity of this process, has made this announcement desirable.”
“It also provides an opportunity to request any person or entity with information pertaining to the Commission’s investigation report to provide their information to the Commission as soon as possible,” he said.
“I want to make it very clear to any persons who have received, or do receive, a summons to appear before the Commission and/or provide information as part of this investigation, that they must at all times adhere to the conditions of their summons, including any confidentiality requirements.”
He said failure to act in accordance with the conditions of a summons is a criminal offence and may result in a period of imprisonment.
