MEDIA ALERT: ICAC public inquiry into allegations concerning former Ausgrid engineer starts Monday

Friday 16 January 2015

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)'s public inquiry being held as part of its Operation Jarah investigation into allegations concerning former Ausgrid engineer Phillip Cresnar will commence next Monday, 19 January 2015, at 10:00 am.

It is alleged that while working for Ausgrid, between 2008 and 2014, Mr Cresnar solicited and received benefits from Ausgrid contractors and subcontractors in exchange for assistance in relation to the awarding of contracts and the approval of variations to contracts. The Commission is also investigating allegations that Mr Cresnar disclosed to contractors, and others, confidential information acquired in the course of his official functions.

Please note that the public inquiry will be held at the Commission's new premises at Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Media waiting for witnesses to arrive or leave the building via the ground floor are advised that building management requires them to remain outside the ground floor lobby and paved areas on Elizabeth and Castlereagh Streets.

A short media briefing will be held from 9:30 am on procedural and logistical matters. A witness list for the first day of the public inquiry is attached. Please note that witness lists are subject to change.

ICAC Assistant Commissioner Theresa Hamilton will preside at the public inquiry, which is set down for five days, and Counsel Assisting the Commission will be Mr Tim Gartelmann.

Time:                           9:30 am – short media briefing    

                                   10:00 am – inquiry commences

Date:                          Monday 19 January 2015

Location:                   ICAC Hearing Room    

                                    Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney

Witness list - Monday 19 January 2015

Media contact: ICAC Manager Communications & Media, Nicole Thomas, 02 8281 5799 / 0417 467 801