Cronyism Scandal: NSW School Infrastructure Chief

0:00The independent commission against corruption just dropped a bombshell on Anthony Manning, the ex-boss of school infrastructure in New South Wales. They ruled his actions corrupt straight-up cronism and referred him to the director of public prosecutions. This came from Operation Landon, a probe into how he handed out big contracts to his buddies without flagging conflicts. Manning ran the agency set up in 2017 to build and fix public schools. Instead of using funds for kids' classrooms, he funneled millions to consultants and workers who were personal friends, like folks from his breakfast, club, or cycling crew. Four key contractors in their firms pocketed $18 million during his watch. Commissioner Paul Lakatos called it a textbook case of wasting public cash on Powell's jobs. No proof, Manning pocketed money himself, but the damage was done. School project suffered while associates cashed in big. Two of those associates, Martin Berry and Wendy O'Brien, got hit with corrupt conduct findings too,

1:00facing possible prosecution advice. The inquiry also uncovered reprisals against staff who spoke up, like a procurement officer Manning fired after she pushed back on his shortcuts. Now the DPP waste charges, shining a light on how unchecked power and government agencies can derail public good. School infrastructure needs better oversight to keep the focus on our kids, not cronies. You've been listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news.