ICAC Operation Ember (Roads and Maritime Services) (2019-2022)

Appeared for the Roads and Maritime Services agency (Transport for NSW), instructed by Norton Rose Fulbright.

This public inquiry by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption was part of an investigation into the State Government’s Roads and Maritime Services agency (subsequently part of Transport for NSW) and allegations concerning two employees and how they exercised their official functions when awarding government contracts for the Heavy Vehicle Safety program.

The contract work included scoping studies, field trials and the supply of equipment and parts. Two contracts awarded in 2018 for the replacement of RMS’ portable weigh scale assets totalled over $9 million in value. The ICAC also investigated the adequacy of RMS’ corruption prevention policies and procedures. 

Public hearings were conducted between May and October 2019. Extensive written submissions were exchanged between the parties in 2020. The report of the Commissioner was published on 20 May 2022.

Also appeared in related civil proceedings, initially commenced on an urgent ex parte basis, in which RMS/TfNSW successfully obtained injunctions and freezing orders against contractors the subject of the ICAC investigation. Those proceedings were ultimately resolved favourably, securing repayment of substantial amounts of public money.

https://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/investigations/current-investigations/2019/operation-ember

https://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2022-media-releases/icac-finds-former-rms-manager-corrupt-for-awarding-over-12-2-million-in-work-to-benefit-friends-and-himself