The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in New South Wales is investigating allegations of misconduct by Anthony Manning, former CEO of School Infrastructure NSW. The inquiry centers around claims that Manning pressured staff to manipulate demographic data to secure more funding for capital works, using "highly unlikely" assumptions about birth rates and migration to inflate population projections. This allegedly involved commissioning an outside consultancy for "upside" data, disregarding more granular data showing growth concentrated in specific Sydney areas.
Testimony from Tony McCabe, a former executive director, alleges that Manning favored hiring friends and colleagues, often at high rates of pay and without following proper procurement procedures. McCabe describes instances where Manning directed him to find roles for contractors without pre-defined jobs, and bypassed guidelines to hire a procurement advisor. He also claims to have experienced "ongoing harassment, intimidation and humiliation" from a contract worker appointed by Manning, leading to his departure from the agency. One of Manning's friends, Stuart Suthern-Brunt, was employed as a consultant earning $2800 a day.
The ICAC is also investigating the awarding of a $39 million "Manufacturing for Schools" contract to a consortium including a firm where Suthern-Brunt was involved after leaving School Infrastructure. A witness expressed concern about the consortium's unusual level of knowledge about School Infrastructure's systems and challenges. The contract has since been cancelled, and the inquiry is exploring possible conflicts of interest, including a meeting where confidential information may have been shared.