Call for IBAC probe into state government deals with security firms
State Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien has called on Victoria’s anti-corruption agencies to probe the Andrews Government agreements with the security firms hired for the ill-fated hotel quarantine program, after it was revealed officials sought advice Trades Hall before locking in multimillion-dollar contracts.
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Three of Victoria’s anti-corruption agencies have been asked to probe state government agreements with the security firms hired for the ill-fated hotel quarantine program, after it was revealed officials sought advice Trades Hall before locking in multimillion-dollar contracts.
State Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien has written to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, Victoria’s Ombudsman and the Victorian Auditor General calling for them to investigate the government deals and ensure due process was followed.
It comes after emails tendered to the Victorian inquiry into the quarantine program showed the Victorian Trades Hall Council was asked about potential companies being hired for the quarantine program.
Jobs Department deputy secretary Alex Kamenev tasked bureaucrat Katrina Currie with discussing the use of the Indigenous-owned Unified Security with Trades Hall on March 30.
Another email said Trades Hall has reported the company was not a preferred provider.
However, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions still locked in a $44 million contract with the company to guard Victoria’s quarantine hotels.
Mr O’Brien said while the advice from Trades Hall was ultimately ignored, it was concerning that government officials consulted the state’s union body on multi-million deals for state-run programs.
“Victoria’s union movement should have no say in who wins a state government contract that should be a question for who delivers the best service at the best price in the best interest of Victorians,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The real concern is it looks here as though Trades Hall may have had a huge influence in which companies were awarded contracts for private security.
“Now given we know the disaster that private security has been with hotel quarantine, the question is, were the best companies selected for the job, or were the most union-friendly companies selected for the job?”
It was not clear if normal tender processes were adhered to during the pandemic crisis, according to Mr O’Brien, which he said also warranted attention from authorities.
The board of inquiry into hotel quarantine finished public hearings last month and is expected to report back on November 6.