Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, , 47:48 to 1:27:37
Investigation into alleged undisclosed conflicts of interest and favoritism within Victorian infrastructure procurement processes.
Topics: Integrity, Procurement
Speakers: Hon Bridget McKenzie, Senator Glenn Sterle, Jessica Hall, Mr. Jim Betts, Unknown Speaker
Are you aware of claims from industry of certain certain proponents um for tenders being favored over others like for procurement decisions being made within the department uh which aren't best practice which goes to my undisclosed conflict of interest question. I need to know, we need to know where those undisclosed conflict of interest was actually found. It's not some sparky subcontractor down the chain. >> We've the conflict of interest is either the minister, either the secretary or departmental official who's making the procurement decision and I want to understand whether you have taken an assessment uh of their procurement
lot of speculation about a lot of parties behaving in a corrupt manner in your question. I
>> Well, I I'm lacking the detail on who it was.
>> Well, we have taken notice the detail,
but you're refusing to tell the committee.
>> Well, no, you you asked us to take it on notice and we have
>> No, I didn't. You said you didn't have it
>> and you said, "Will you take it on notice?" And we said, "Yes, we would."
I'd love if you have the details. I don't have to speculate, Mr. Betts.
>> So, question, Senator, around um are we aware of any allegations made? From my perspective, the answer is no.
>> So, we've got two projects in Victoria with undisclosed conflict of interest. Those type of serious allegations of undisclosed conflict of interest can only really occur in three or four
>> Industry has raised with me any of those comments and the answer is no.
then sorry Mr. on that. Look, as per our opening uh agreement in the opening statement, it now being 9:50, the committee shall suspend and in uh agreements with the committee, we'll be back here at 11:00. Senator McKenzie, still in continuation with corporate matters.
>> Thank you, Chair.