A former employee of the Western Sydney Airport (WSA) has been charged with allegedly soliciting a bribe of $200,000, during the procurement process for a contract to provide services at the airport worth an estimated $5 million.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) carried out an arrest yesterday, 27 March 2024, on behalf of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (the Commission), following a joint investigation.
The individual was formally charged with soliciting a corrupt commission, under section 249B of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
The individual has been bailed to appear before Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on 18 April 2024.
WSA is considered a Commonwealth agency for the purposes of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 (Cth). Its employees and officers are therefore Commonwealth public officials and within the Commission’s jurisdiction.
The Commission acknowledges the timely and proactive actions of WSA in referring the matter to the Commission and the AFP. WSA’s cooperation was a key enabler of the investigation.
National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, the Hon Paul Brereton AM RFD SC, has chosen to publicise the charge to highlight the risk of corruption in high value and complex procurements in the Commonwealth sector.
Yesterday’s charge is the first in an investigation initiated by the Commission. It follows convictions and sentencing in three other matters that were inherited by the Commission from the former Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.
As the matter is now before the courts, the Commission will not be making further comment.