Power and Water probe misconduct allegations

Power and Water has launched an internal probe into allegations of misconduct.

Accusations about Power and Water recruitment misconduct were outlined in a letter sent to Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Essential Services Minister Dale Wakefield.

Power and Water has launched an internal probe into allegations of recruitment misconduct after six former TIO employees landed jobs or consultancy contracts at the Government-owned corporation.

The accusations were outlined in a letter sent to Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Essential Services Minister Dale Wakefield and detail concerns about the process followed to hire the former TIO employees within Power and Water.

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A whistleblower claims the jobs awarded to the former TIO employees were not properly advertised, that rules around special measures for indigenous employment were not followed, and that contracts were awarded without following the NT Government’s procurement rules.

Essential Services Minister Dale Wakefield. Picture: AAP Image/Gregory Roberts

It’s been alleged a former TIO manager gained employment at Power and Water last year before hiring two former TIO workmates. Another three people who worked with the manager at TIO were also awarded consultancy contracts.

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The NT News has confirmed the six women were all employed at TIO before the Giles Government sold the corporation in 2015.

Their LinkedIn pages also reveal they have since been either employed or awarded consultancy contracts with Power and Water.

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The NT News sent detailed questions around the hiring of each of these employees and consultants to Power and Water. The corporation did not directly respond to the questions but confirmed it was investigating the matter.

“Power and Water has a comprehensive Management of Unacceptable Conduct Standard policy document,” a spokeswoman said in a statement.

“The queries outlined in your email will be considered in line with this policy.

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“Power and Water has a responsibility to its employees and contractors, including compliance with responsibilities to stakeholders and customers.

“At this stage we are unable to provide any further comment in relation to your queries.”

It’s understood the NT Government has forwarded the letter detailing the allegations to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, although no recommendation has been made as to whether the ICAC should investigate the matter.