Public inquiry into corruption allegations concerning Gandangara LALC board and CEO

Tuesday 3 May 2016

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will hold a public inquiry commencing on Monday 9 May 2016 as part of an investigation it is conducting into allegations concerning the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC) (Operation Greer).

The public inquiry will examine allegations that, between 2010 and March 2014, GLALC board members partially exercised their official functions by agreeing to employment arrangements with GLALC chief executive officer Mark Johnson under which his company, Waawidji Pty Ltd, derived benefits from the GLALC.

Other allegations that the inquiry will examine include that Mr Johnson improperly exercised his public official functions, by: between March 2011 and April 2013, authorising the transfer of GLALC funds to Gandangara Future Fund Ltd (GFF); between 2009 and 2013, authorising the payment of GLALC funds for the benefit of Deerubbin, Walgett and La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Councils, and partly for the benefit of Waawidji Pty Ltd; and between 2010 and 2014, claiming the provision of benefits from GLALC for himself or Waawidji Pty Ltd, including money, to which he knew he was not lawfully entitled.

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 Michael Henry SC and Mr Simon Fitzpatrick. The inquiry is set down for three weeks.

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