A labour rent agency embroiled in an alleged fraud scandal involving Victoria’s Big Build has been suspended from main rail tasks.
Morson International, a third-party provider for the multibillion greenback Metro Tunnel undertaking, has been banned by community operator Metro Trains amid a probe into alleged overcharging and fraud.
“We have suspended a third party supplier, Morson International Pty Ltd, today pending further investigations into potential overcharging or fraudulent activity,” Metro Trains stated in an announcement on Monday.
“We expect the highest level of standards from all suppliers who provide services to Metro and we won’t tolerate any actions that do not meet the required standard.”
Premier Daniel Andrews stated the state authorities has made its expectations clear to contractors and subcontractors engaged on its main tasks, warning rule-breakers would face punishment.
“Where an issue arises it’s only right that … steps are taken with that particular hire company and work is done to establish exactly what’s happened,” he advised reporters at Victorian parliament.
“Be in no doubt there’ll be sanctions, but let’s wait to see what that investigative process delivers.”
Government tasks are on fixed-price contracts, that means taxpayers will not foot the invoice for any extra prices handed on from subcontractors to contractors.
“We won’t be paying more because they didn’t deliver the highest standards,” Mr Andrews stated.
“So it’s coming out of their margin, coming out of whatever profit they might make from that particular build.
“However, it is very important ship tasks in good time and good worth for the taxpayer.”
The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator last week confirmed it was also investigating fraud allegations.
The regulator is probing claims of underpaid allowances to workers, along with claims of “ghost shifts”, where shifts were not filled despite workers being rostered on.
Project managers on the Metro Tunnel and level-crossings removal program were reportedly billed for up to three shifts performed by one worker in a 24-hour period.
AAP has contacted Morson for remark.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
