ICAC to hold public inquiry into allegations concerning RMS employees’ awarding of contracts

Tuesday 30 April 2019

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will hold a public inquiry starting on Monday 20 May 2019 as part of an investigation it is conducting into allegations concerning two Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) employees and how they exercised their official functions when awarding contracts.

The Commission is investigating whether, between July 2015 and February 2019, RMS employees Samer Soliman and Jainesh Singh partially and dishonestly exercised their official functions in relation to the awarding of contracts to Novation Engineering Pty Ltd and AZH Consulting Pty Ltd.

The contract work has included scoping studies, field trials and the supply of equipment and parts. Two contracts awarded to Novation Engineering Pty Ltd in 2018 for the replacement of RMS’ portable weigh scale assets totalled over $9 million in value. It is alleged that Mr Soliman received a financial benefit for his role in helping to secure the work awarded to both companies.

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 inquiry is set down for approximately three weeks.

Commissioner Patricia McDonald SC will preside at the public inquiry, and Counsel Assisting the Commission will be Ms Georgina Wright.

The Commission may live stream the proceedings in this public inquiry via the ICAC website, in which case further details about how to access the live stream will be provided closer to the inquiry commencement date.

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