Sydney Local Health District – allegations concerning consultants engaged at the Yaralla Estate (Operation Yaralla)

This investigation came about as a result of a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament to refer certain matters to the NSW ICAC. Section 73 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 provides that it is the duty of the Commission to fully investigate a matter so referred.

The ICAC investigation related to two companies - Blue Visions Management Pty Ltd and Conrad Consulting and Capital Pty Ltd - with whom the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) had commercial dealings relating to Yaralla Estate matters.

With regard to Blue Visions Management Pty Ltd, the referral made to the Commission noted concerns expressed about relationships (although no specific persons were named) between that company and certain members of the Liberal Party.

With regard to Conrad Consulting and Capital Pty Ltd, the referral noted concerns relating to the payment of funds made by SLHD to the company for what was described as “limited communication advice” and relating to the company’s relationships with certain members of the Liberal Party. No specific persons were named in the referral.

The Commission’s investigation did not disclose any evidence of corrupt conduct and there were no corruption prevention issues identified in the Commission’s investigation. The report in this matter was released on 13 October 2014.