Media Release
ICAC invites public submissions as it begins its evaluation of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport
11 November 2026
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has today released the Terms of Reference for its evaluation of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, confirming that the evaluation’s scope will be targeted to the River Torrens to Darlington Project (T2D Project).
The evaluation will examine the procurement and contract management practices, policies and procedures associated with the T2D Project, with a focus on their effectiveness in managing corruption risks and preventing the involvement of unsuitable parties, including those with links to criminal organisations.
ICAC is now calling for government employee, contractor, subcontractor and community submissions as part of the evaluation’s initial information gathering stage.
“In the interests of producing timely and thorough findings, and noting the considerable community interest in this matter, I have determined that ICAC’s evaluation will focus on the T2D Project,” ICAC Commissioner Emma Townsend said.
“We will look closely at how contractors and subcontractors are screened before being engaged, how their ongoing suitability and integrity are monitored throughout the life of a contract, and whether there are effective mechanisms to identify, escalate and respond to potential risks, including changes in business ownership or control.”
“I anticipate many of the evaluation findings will have broader applicability to other major infrastructure projects.”
While the project methodology is yet to be finalised, the evaluation is expected to draw upon a substantial body of information including public submissions, interviews, and reviews of relevant policies, procedures and documents.
“Noting the size of the T2D Project and volume of contractual arrangements in place, the evaluation will also consider a representative sample of contracts to identify strengths and opportunities to improve oversight and governance at a systemic level,” Commissioner Townsend said.
“Information about suspected corruption relating to specific contractual arrangements should continue to be reported to the Office for Public Integrity.”
ICAC invites those who have information relevant to the Terms of Reference, including government employees, contractors and subcontractors who have had interactions with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport or the T2D Alliance to email their submissions to DITevaluation@icac.sa.gov.au. Submissions close on Friday 15 January 2027.
ICAC anticipates that it will be in a position to publish a report in relation to the evaluation next year.
ICAC cannot receive reports of corruption, maladministration or misconduct in public administration. Under the ICAC Act, all such reports must be made to the Office for Public Integrity. Further information about making a submission can be found on the ICAC website: https://icac.sa.gov.au/DITevaluation.
Terms of Reference
The evaluation will consider:
- The extent to which the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s practices, policies and procedures support effective procurement and contract management within the River Torrens to Darlington Project to mitigate the risk of engaging with unsuitable parties, including entities linked to criminal organisations. This will include reviewing:
- respective roles and responsibilities and governance arrangements between the Department and the T2D Alliance;
- assessment of eligibility and suitability criteria to tender or be selected for contracts;
- continuous oversight of entities contracted or subcontracted to perform work, including:
- monitoring changes in the composition of such entities; and
- security and integrity monitoring, reporting, escalation and response mechanisms; and
- recourse options including pursuant to contractual terms.
- Whether any improvements or measures can be identified that, if implemented, could prevent and minimise the risk of corruption within the River Torrens to Darlington Project.
The Commissioner may amend these Terms of Reference as a consequence of information received during the course of the evaluation.
