The Western Australia Corruption and Crime Commission is now inquiring into the case of a senior public servant who admitted to using his position in the Health Department to personally gain around a million dollars in money and gifts between 2004 and 2009.
The person in question, Wathumallage Wickramasinghe took the bribes in return of giving away building contracts to a business associate, Ian Johnson of AG Property Maintenance. Mr. Johnson revealed that Mr. Wickramasinghe had suggested that he submit high fake quotes and then submit lower ones from his own business. The inquiry was told that Mr Johnson's company gained $1.23 million in health department contracts through Mr Wickramasinghe between May 2006 and December 2009. He did the same with other businesses too in return of money and gifts.
As the hearing progressed Mr. Wickramasinghe claimed his superiors must have had clues that he was flouting rules because it would not have been possible to get the work done at this pace without breaking protocol. He was informed about the various public service policies on secondary employment, conflict of interest and receiving gifts of which he claimed he had no idea. He added that he regretted his actions but was pressured to complete the jobs. He had to resign from his job since he cannot face disciplinary proceedings as a public servant.
The hearing continues.
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