Public inquiry into allegations concerning NSW Rural Fire Service catering supply and other matters

Monday 11 May 2015

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will hold a public inquiry starting on 1 June 2015 as part of an investigation it is conducting into allegations concerning alleged corrupt payments related to the supply of catering and other products to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) (Operation Vika).

The public inquiry will examine whether, between 2009 and 2015, payments made by the RFS to catering companies controlled by Scott Homsey were induced by representations made by RFS employees Arthur John Hacking and Paul Springett, RFS volunteer Darren Hacking, and Mr Homsey, which they knew to be false or misleading, or by those persons concealing facts from the RFS that they had a duty to disclose.

The Commission is also examining whether Arthur John Hacking and Mr Springett engaged in corrupt conduct by receiving a financial benefit, or other benefits or gifts, from Mr Homsey as a reward for their role in facilitating the RFS payments to Mr Homsey's companies.

Further, the Commission will examine whether Mr Homsey engaged in corrupt conduct by providing Arthur John Hacking and Mr Springett with a financial benefit, or other benefits or gifts, as a reward for their role in facilitating the RFS payments to his companies.

It will also examine whether Arthur Hacking engaged in corrupt conduct by stealing property belonging to the RFS, including mobile telephones and other electronic devices.

The public inquiry will start at 10:00 am and will be held in the Commission's hearing room on Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.

The ICAC Commissioner, the Hon Megan Latham, will preside at the public inquiry, and Counsel Assisting the Commission will be Mr Ben Katekar. The inquiry is set down for nine days.

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