Bombshells emerge over Western Sydney Airport land deal, as AFP investigates
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has revealed its investigation of a controversial land deal near Western Sydney Airport is probing concerns of fraud and corruption.
A deal that saw taxpayers fork out $30 million for land evaluated at just $3 million had been referred to the AFP by the Auditor General, Grant Hehir, in July, after the office obtained information the federal government “may have been defrauded”.
The funds had been splashed on a 12-hectare plot of land near the Western Sydney Airport, dubbed the ‘Leppington Triangle’, in mid-2018.
Hehir told Senate Estimates on Monday this had been the first time he had ever contacted the AFP about an audit.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney, who oversees major investigations within the organisation, said the matter was at a “very early junction”, but was focused on potential “corruption of public officials”, according to ABC News.
Furthermore, recent reports show the AFP is in the process of contacting the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to seek information on whether disgraced former state politician Daryl Maguire had any involvement in the deal.
According to the national broadcaster, the ICAC has heard allegations about the former state MP’s use of his position for financial gain, such as on land deals in Western Sydney.
Deputy Commissioner McCartney said the ICAC probe would not influence the separate investigation into the Leppington Triangle.
“So, as part of your preliminary investigation into the Leppington Triangle, you will also speak to ICAC about Mr Maguire’s potential involvement in land transactions there?” Labor senator Kristina Keneally asked in Senate estimates on Tuesday.
“Correct,” McCartney replied.
Maguire is also at the centre of an anti-corruption probe investigating a cash-for-visas scheme.
The Department of Home Affairs, which is assisting the inquiry, told Senate Estimates on Tuesday that Maguire might have made representations to federal politicians, according to ABC News.
Under questioning from Labor, Prime Minister Scott Morrison failed to deny that he was among the politicians Maguire lobbied.
On Monday, ABC News reported that two staff in the Department of Infrastructure’s Western Sydney Unit were being investigated, with one moved to another role and the other stood down.
Department secretary Simon Atkinson told the Senate committee he had serious concerns about how the deal was handled and wanted to “clean it up”. He said he had commissioned three internal inquiries into the deal.
The news comes after the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) said in its audit that the Department of Infrastructure had not exercised appropriate due diligence in its acquisition of the Leppington Triangle land.
Aspects of the operations of the department “fell short of ethical standards” and the conduct of officials was “not appropriate”, the ANAO said.
The scathing report also claimed decision-makers “were not appropriately advised on the land acquisition”.
Featured image source: iStock/imamember
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
ANAO Australian National Audit Office Department of Infrastructure Leppington Triangle western sydney airportLatest News
“Dragged to hell and back”: Qantas’ illegal sackings severely impacted workers’ mental health, court told
A court has heard of the extent the illegal sackings had on former employees, including cases of anxiety and depression.
Qantas to increase domestic lounge fees by 17% next month
QF says the hike will recover lost member fees during COVID. TW thinks its absolutely time to leave the big C behind.
17 per cent rise in business volume drives Club Med success in 2023-24 and beyond
What's next for Club Med? We'd guess another all inclusive resort, but what do we know?
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Scoot’s mega March sale has flights to Athens from $355
With Scoot, travellers can lap up the Parthenon on the cheap! Delving into Ancient Greece has never been so affordable.
Luxury Travel Collection welcomes Ramsgate Travel Services to the group
Ramsgate hopefully to be welcomed to the group with more than just an Eagle Boys party. This is worthy of Domino's!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Unveiling Austria: The Ultimate Destination for Aussie Adventurers!
Looking for a different country to explore but don't want the name to be all that different? Austria is your saviour!
Kyoto’s cherry blossom guide: The one-stop-shop for exploring the city
It can't top Aussie favourites like the Gum or Banksia tree, but we'll give the Cherry Blossom tree the bronze medal.
Entire Travel Group is giving agents $100 for each Rocky Mountaineer booking
Clients mulling a rail holiday and are set on Europe? Convince them Canada is where it's at with Entire's new incentive.
Mickey Mann relocates to Sydney for expansive sales role at TTC Tour Brands
Mickey's gotten the big promotion while TW has finally fixed its coffee machine! It's all happening in the travel world.
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
WEBINAR: Don’t miss the chance to scrub up on England, Scotland and Wales this week
Looking for an excuse to put the feet up for half an hour this working week? Look no further!
Luxury Escapes officially launches its agent hub
Appease your luxury-craving client and score some sweet commission. It's all happening with this new agent portal.
CATO heads to Canberra to discuss the state of travel with Government
Telling someone you're going to Canberra "for work" is a real power move. We've only been for trips to Questacon.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring the TW team to sell it in a can.
Golden Eagle Luxury Trains’ 2024/25 program for Aussies has arrived!
Has this got news got you giddy with glee or feeling a bit 'meh'? Well, it's here for you anyway.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news over the weekend? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Qatar Airways CEO unveils ‘Qatar Airways 2.0’
Qatar ushers in '2.0', while TW nurses the Guinness-induced haziness of a Monday after Paddy's Day.
“Airport of the future”: Gold Coast Airport outlines mega plans
What does the airport of the future look like in your mind? If the robots from Wall-E came up then we think alike.
Journey Beyond celebrates 95 years of The Ghan with birthday sale
Do note that today's b'day sale isn't actually The Ghan's b'day. We'd hate for you to get a train's b'day wrong.
Tourism Ireland gets the gang together for Paddy’s Day
'Fill your heart with Ireland' is the campaign name. We prefer fill your stomach with Guiness.
Heritage Expeditions’ new sales manager Australia celebrates appointment with agent famil
He took 11 agents on a trip for his new gig while TW celebrates newbies with a parmi and a pint. Both equal in our eyes.
Uniworld announces S.S. Emilie to sail Europe in 2026
The TW team was once desperate for a river cruise but we ended up at a Uniqlo, not Uniworld. Got a fun shirt though.
INCENTIVE: Double your commission with Inspiring Vacations
Does this news inspire you to flog some Inspiring Vacations trips? Let this article be your inspiration.
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
44,000 tonnes of sustainable fuel needed to meet decarbonisation targets in EU: CLIA
Much less beans in our diet is what the TW team needs to decarbonise. Though Heinz may shut down if that happens.
Scathing revelations send Boeing’s share price plummeting – Market Check
Poor Boeing. It's just not going. Perhaps soon its brand value will be growing. Until then, it's only faults showing.
The $8 million Government initiative to boost sustainable tourism
Putting $8m into sustainable tourism is a much wiser move than our suggestion of putting it all on black at the casino.
Virtuoso ANZ Forum: Award winners, trends, outlook and more revealed!
The forum was full of Virtuosos! By that we mean travel agents and partners, not Beethoven and Rachmaninov.
“Stressful and humiliating”: Blind disability charity executive abandoned by Jetstar at airport
The poorly treated traveller said this was a failure by the airline to meet its obligation to uphold her human rights.
AmaWaterways opens reservations office for ANZ agents
AmaWaterways has someone for you to yak to! It's meant for reservations but we're sure chit chat is also welcome.
IHG hits 1,000 APAC properties, signals bright future ahead
1000 properties is great for IHG but Travel Weekly just got today's Wordle in two guesses! Who's the real winner, huh?
Melbourne bookings up 52% as Formula 1-fever drives racing fans wild
Does Formula 1 drive you wild, to insanity or round the bend? Regardless, it's driving travellers to Melbourne.
Three-quarters of Aussies plan up to 3 trips this year: AMEX
75% of Aussies are keen on a hat-trick this year! Should make up for never getting one in cricket as a kid.