ICAC investigation finds former Canterbury-Bankstown Council worker Benjamin Webb engaged in corrupt conduct

A former southwest Sydney council project manager received a six-figure sum in benefits from his close friend, whose company reaped millions after being favoured in what the corruption watchdog has found to be a dodgy recruitment scheme.

The Canterbury Bankstown Council chambers.

A former southwest Sydney council project manager engaged in corrupt conduct when he received a six-figure sum in benefits from his close friend, whose company reaped millions after being favoured in what the corruption watchdog has found to be a dodgy recruitment scheme.

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption on Thursday found former Canterbury-Bankstown Council works and projects unit manager Benjamin Webb received $208,000 from a close friend and council contractor, Pietro Cossu, in return for “misusing his public official functions”.

When Mr Webb recruited Mr Cossu, who was also found to have engaged in corrupt conduct, on a temporary contract to provide project management services to the council in 2020, neither disclosed their close friendship.

In its report, the commission found Mr Webb favoured Mr Cossu’s business in a recruitment scheme to provide contract workers to the council, leading to the latter’s business reaping more than $4.5m in gross profit.

Between February 2021 and September 2022, Mr Cossu’s company, PMLV Invest and Const Pty Ltd (PMLV), provided 26 “contingent workers” to the council despite having no subcontractor arrangement.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption published its report on Thursday.

The commission also found while the council had since taken steps to improve its procedures, there were still systemic shortcomings in recruitment and procurement.

“A most serious and obvious deficiency in council was the failure to perform due diligence,” it said in its “Operation Mantis” report.

The report also found the council had hired Mr Webb despite him presenting false qualifications, and had given him substantial financial discretion despite him being an undischarged bankrupt.

The commission issued 19 corruption prevention recommendations to the council, including implementing proper screening of prospective employees, developing a robust procurement and project management process, and adopting better practice guidelines on contingent workforce management.

Following an 18-month public inquiry headed by commissioner Helen Murrell SC, the commission also said it had sought advice from the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions about the potential for criminal charges.

“The commission is of the opinion that consideration should be given to obtaining the advice of the DPP about the prosecution of Mr Webb, for the criminal offence of corruptly receiving financial benefits, (and) Mr Cossu for the criminal offences of corruptly receiving and giving financial benefits,“ it said.

A Canterbury-Bankstown Council spokesperson welcomed the report and said the findings would be thoroughly reviewed.

“The inquiry focused on allegations against two former employees and council has assisted and actively co-operated every step of the way,” the spokesperson said.

“Council has already taken steps to review its processes.”

In August, the council established an internal working group dedicated to reviewing and enhancing its procurement and human resources practices “to ensure robust governance and operational integrity”.

“We remain committed to transparency, good governance, and implementing any measures required to ensure the highest standards of integrity in our operations,” the spokesperson added.

“Council will take the necessary time to carefully review the findings and recommendations outlined in the report.”