Department of Transport probed as V/Line boss James Pinder suspended pending IBAC investigation
Victoria’s anti-corruption agency has now launched a major probe into the Department of Transport — under an investigation which has already prompted the suspension of V/Line boss James Pinder.
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Victoria’s anti-corruption agency has launched a major probe into the Department of Transport under an investigation which has prompted the suspension of V/Line boss James Pinder.
Mr Pinder was on Thursday stood down by the regional rail operator’s board after it was discovered he was being investigated by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.
But it’s understood the commission is not just examining conduct within V/Line staff and that it will canvass other sections of the Department of Transport.
The full details of the investigation are yet to be revealed but government procurement processes, and the awarding of contracts for work and construction are among issues expected to be examined.
“No Department of Transport staff have been suspended or stood down and, to our knowledge, no department staff are subject to this investigation,” a spokeswoman said.
It comes just a day after IBAC warned fraud and corruption risks in the public sector had soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, and issued new guides to government employees.
It’s understood a significant amount of evidence has been compiled on Mr Pinder, with senior V/Line figures believed to be blindsided by the news.
Transport Minister Ben Carroll announced the suspension of the V/Line boss on Thursday after being informed of the IBAC investigation by his department.
Nick Foa, currently head of transport services at the Department of Transport, will stand in while a longer-term arrangement is devised.
A V/Line spokeswoman said Mr Pinder had been suspended pending the investigation outcome and that services would be not be affected.
Opposition transport spokesman David Davis said IBAC must be allowed to do its job.
“I hope it roots out every bit of corruption at the Department of Transport and its proliferating stable of incompetent agencies,” he said.
In March, Victoria’s Auditor-General delivered a scathing assessment of V/Line while reviewing the Murray Basin Rail Project. The report found V/Line’s “inadequate contract and project management” had helped to create delays and cost blowouts.
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