New South Wales’s corruption watchdog begins an investigation this week into corrupt conduct involving the state’s former school infrastructure chief.
Conducted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the public inquiry into School Infrastructure NSW – a branch of the Department of Education – starts Monday 5 May.
The investigation concerns a $40-million construction project to build and upgrade more than 100 schools across the state – a project that was shelved by Premier Chris Minns in 2024 just four months after the deal was signed.
The corruption watchdog is investigating whether former SINSW CEO Anthony Manning, and other staff, abused their positions by skewing recruitment practices and improperly awarding contracts to benefit friends and business associates.
It’s also claimed SINSW funds were misallocated to favour particular businesses and to fund consultancy positions for friends and business associates.
As well, ICAC is investigating whether Manning, along with human resource strategic advisor Wendy O’Brien, and others, “dishonestly exercised their official function by taking reprisal action” against certain staff following complaints made to SINSW officials.
The inquiry – presided by ICAC commissioner Paul Lakatos – will run for up to six weeks.
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