Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, has announced an independent review of regional processing procurement by the Department of Home Affairs, citing “serious issues” following allegations it granted contracts to a company linked to the subject of a bribery investigation.
Claiming offshore processing contracts “merit detailed and thorough examination”, O’Neil said “It is absolutely clear that these warrant further investigation. These are serious allegations and there is serious money involved”.
Prior to the announcement of the inquiry, the Australian Federal Police said that Peter Dutton – then-home affairs minister – was verbally briefed in July 2018 that it was investigating Mozammil Gulamabbas Bhojani and Radiance International – who won contracts from the department for accommodation in Nauru a month later – for foreign bribery.
Bhojani, Director of Radiance International, was convicted of bribing Nauruan officials in 2020.
Mr Dutton denied he had received a briefing from the AFP, telling reporters he did not have “any record” of a meeting.
The AFP has since clarified that a briefing did take place but Mr Bhojani was not named, adding that it should have used “tighter language to avoid a misunderstanding”.
Mr Dutton said he had “no involvement whatsoever in relation to the contract negotiations” and is “very happy to co-sign a letter with the Prime Minister” referring the matter to the National Anti Corruption Commission, so long as the government extends the period of investigation to include past governments from both sides.
He added that he believed he had been “caught in the crossfire” between O’Neil and long-time department secretary Mike Pezzullo.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said at Question Time: “These are serious issues and allegations that have been raised, we are acting quickly and decisively”.
In a statement from her office, the Home Affairs Minister said “In recent weeks, a number of serious issues relating to the governance of contracting related to regional processing have been placed on the public record.
“The review will consider governance practices and these allegations in the wider context of serious issues that have emerged over many years.
“In particular, it will consider: any integrity concerns about contracting arrangements regarding regional processing, whether public or otherwise; the Department’s governance arrangements, oversight processes and systems for managing offshore processing, current and historic, including in relation to the engagement of sub-contractors by head contractors; any other related concerns regarding arrangements for regional processing administration”.
Former Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary, Dennis Richardson, will conduct the review which would allow him to make referrals and recommendations with his findings.
