Coalition’s $30m airport land deal incompetent, not corrupt

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The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has released the results of a review it commissioned regarding its controversial Leppington Triangle land deal. The 2018 purchase of the 12.3 hectare block of land as part of the construction of the new Western Sydney Airport led to an investigation by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), after the land was valued at just $3 million 12 months after it was purchased for $30 million.

The review commissioned by the Department found no evidence of criminality in the transaction, and that the purchase complied with all relevant laws:

“This review has identified no evidence to suggest poor integrity, criminal activity or personal benefit for officers involved in the transaction, which contributed to actions taken or decisions made,” it said.

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About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.