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Investigation into pork barrelling (Operation Jersey)

The Commission commenced an investigation in May 2020 into the NSW Government’s Stronger Community’s Fund. Following an inquiry by the NSW Legislative Council’s Public Accountability Committee, a performance audit by the NSW Auditor-General, an assessment by the State Archives and Records Authority and a review into grants administration in NSW (led by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in partnership with the NSW Productivity Commissioner), the Commission revised its investigation scope. It determined that it was in the public interest to examine and report on the circumstances where, it had concluded, pork barrelling could involve serious breaches of public trust and conduct that could amount to corrupt conduct.

To assist its investigation, the Commission engaged a number of experts to prepare papers and participate in a public forum held on 3 June 2022 (see further information below).

In its report on this matter, released on 1 August 2022, the Commission found that pork barrelling could constitute corrupt conduct in certain circumstances. The Commission has made 21 recommendations to help prevent or better regulate pork barrelling. The report represents the view of the Commission but draws on the analysis of the experts.

Download the full report  Media release


Forum on Pork Barrelling

The NSW ICAC held a Forum on Pork Barrelling on Friday, 3 June 2022. See below to access further information, including the video of the forum, and the panelists’ papers.

Video of the Forum on Pork Barrelling

Forum on Pork Barrelling video - Part 1

Forum on Pork Barrelling video - Part 2

Forum on Pork Barrelling Panelists’ Papers

Forum on Pork Barrelling transcript (PDF)

Read the media release

Recommendations for corruption prevention

Download the recommendations for corruption prevention (pdf)

Responses to ICAC recommendations

The action plans posted below have been provided by the NSW Procurement Board and the NSW Government in response to the ICAC’s recommendations. Their publication here is to show the status of the responses. It does not constitute approval or endorsement by the Commission.

Action Plan – NSW Government

Action Plan – NSW Procurement Board

12 month progress report – NSW Government