Workplace affair allegedly sparked Queensland Fire Service corruption probe
EXCLUSIVE: An alleged workplace affair sparked a corruption probe into a cash for contract scandal that has engulfed Queensland’s Fire Service, Seven News can reveal.
A senior female public servant on secondment to the service is accused of having an office romance with a Brisbane senior firefighter accused of receiving up to $200,000 in kickbacks.
In December, a whistleblower alerted the QFES about the relationship between the woman and the firefighter, a Brisbane-based inspector, she was also supervising.
The whistleblower also told senior staff about the alleged secret payments the inspector was receiving from south-east companies which he had awarded lucrative uniforms and industrial laundry contracts.
QFES management immediately alerted the State’s corruption watchdog who referred the matter to the Queensland Police Fraud Squad.
Police are investigating the inspector and a Gold Coast firefighter for misusing their authority for their own benefit.
Last week police raided the businesses linked to both men who were suspended with pay by the QFES.
Detectives seized computers, phones, company and financial records.
Seven News has learned police are examining bank statements from a company linked to the inspector, searching for up to $200,000 in kickbacks dating back to 2015.
Part of the allegations being investigated is the inspector received several thousand dollars a month from one company.
QFES terminated the secondment of the senior female public servant.
Police are investigating whether she had a role or knowledge of the alleged cash for contracts.
Seven News can also reveal the QFES has directed for a forensic internal audit of the areas subject to the current police investigation.
An internal disciplinary investigation is also underway.
In a statement, QFES said its executive received information last December about possible corrupt behaviour in the department’s procurement area.
“This information was taken seriously and acted upon immediately. The matter was referred to the appropriate authorities by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, and subsequently a police investigation has commenced," the QFES statement said.
The QFES said the forensic audit and disciplinary investigation will be conducted independently of the department.
“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will continue to work with the Queensland Police Service and as this matter is currently under investigation, it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment.”
