Ausgrid has strongly supported a report from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) which recommends further improvements to its contract management and fraud prevention systems. The report follows an inquiry into allegations of corruption against a former Ausgrid employee, Philip Cresnar.

Chief Executive Officer, Vince Graham, said Ausgrid was fully committed to implementing all key recommendations from the ICAC to improve its work practices and reduce future fraud risk. “Since these allegations first came to light in 2012 we have provided our full cooperation to the ICAC,” Mr Graham said.

“We have also conducted our own external review of these contract management systems and we are already working to improve our processes and further strengthen fraud prevention measures.” Mr Graham said Ausgrid had introduced a number of reforms to its governance and fraud and corruption controls over the past two years.

“The Auditor-General found there is now a “strong [framework] in place to prevent, identify, investigate and report suspected and actual fraud,” he said. “The community expects that our staff are held to the highest standard of conduct and act with integrity at all times.

“Our contractors are also accountable for acting ethically and honestly in all dealings with Ausgrid.”