The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has finished an investigation into the Cook Shire Council and will not pursue any criminal charges.
After receiving a complaint, and initial information from the Council, the CCC commenced an investigation on 17 September 2014 into allegations that council employees corruptly awarded contracts to certain companies after receiving gifts or benefits from those same companies.
In some instances the CCC established that council employees did receive gifts or benefits from contractors, but found no or insufficient evidence to suggest that those council employees corruptly awarded contracts in return for receiving those gifts or benefits.
The CCC will therefore not pursue criminal charges against any person.
The CCC identified that in most instances employees who had received gifts or benefits declared them in accordance with the Council’s policies. The CCC’s investigation also identified shortcomings in compliance with Council policies and processes, particularly relating to approvals to retain the gifts and benefits.
The CCC notes that the Council has introduced a number of new policies and procedures aimed at improving these issues.
The CCC’s Acting Executive Director, Corruption, Paxton Booth said public sector managers and employees needed to be alert to the risks involved in allowing staff, particularly those involved in procurement, to accept any gifts or benefits from suppliers.
“Allowing staff, particularly those involved in procurement, to receive gifts or benefits from suppliers and contractors can damage an agency’s reputation,” Mr Booth said.
“It can also create perceptions of corruption and leave employees vulnerable to being accused of improper practices.
“Queensland Government procurement guidelines strongly advise agencies not to allow staff to accept gifts or benefits offered by suppliers or prospective suppliers.”
The matter is now closed and the CCC will not take any further action.
ENDS
