ABC Finance
RailCorp worker re-hired sacked mates: ICAC
Monday May 5, 01:23 PM
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has heard several former RailCorp employees continued to receive work after being fired for corruption fraud and drug use.
The case is the latest in a series of RailCorp corruption cases to be brought before the ICAC.
The council assisting the inquiry into corruption and fraud at RailCorp, Chris Ronalds SC, says a system of serious, long-term fraud and theft exists within the company's commercial renewals group.
The section carries out important maintenance work.
Ms Ronalds told the inquiry the group's team leader, George Laidlaw and others, re-hired several workers as contractors after they were fired for corrupt behaviour.
"They ignored their duty to the public in order to benefit their friends and themselves," she said.
The inquiry also heard one worker continued to receive regular work after failing a drug test.
She says they also stole recyclable waste and falsified time sheets.
"The public treasury has become a personal ATM from which they withdraw at will," she said.
Mr Laidlaw has begun giving evidence, admitting to the inquiry that he created false receipts from motels and caravan parks so he could claim back the costs from RailCorp.
It is believed the fraudulent claims totalled about $70,000 over three years.
The inquiry continues.
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