Metro Trains manager suspended after beign questioned as part of IBAC probe
A senior manager at Metro Trains has been suspended after being questioned by the anti-corruption watchdog as part of its probe into the Department of Transport.
Victoria
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A manager at Metro Trains has been suspended after being questioned by the anti-corruption watchdog as part of its probe into the Department of Transport.
Peter Bollas, who manages the company’s Centre of Excellence, has spoken to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission as part of an investigation that last week led to the suspension of V/Line boss James Pinder.
He has also played a role as head of operational support for Metro’s fleet of trains.
Mr Bollas was requested by IBAC officials to provide information and as a result was suspended by Metro until further notice.
“While we are unable to comment on an ongoing investigation we are committed to upholding the very highest of standards of integrity,” a Metro spokesman said.
It comes after it was revealed last week that the anti-corruption commission is currently investigating the Department of Transport.
The exact nature of the investigation has not been revealed but issues such as procurement and government contracts are expected to be considered.
Mr Pinder was investigated as part of the probe but it is understood to stretch further than the behaviour of the regional rail operator alone.
No Department of Transport employees have currently been stood down.
The V/Line board voted to suspend Mr Pinder after Transport Minister Ben Carroll announced he had been made aware of the investigation into the chief executive.
The department’s head of transport services, Nick Foa, is currently acting in his place until a replacement is found.
IBAC has previously investigated V/Line and in a damming 2017 report found multiple examples of undeclared conflicts of interest as part of Operation Lansdowne.
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