Independent inquiry to scrutinise procurement processes in SA Travel deal

South Australian Attorney-General John Rau has announced an inquiry into the privatisation of the South Australian Travel Centre.

After the Tourism Commission chairman's son-in-law was awarded the contract, Attorney-General and Tourism Minister John Rau said the inquiry had been triggered by "significant industry and community interest in this issue".

Tourism Commission chief executive Ian Darbyshire last week said Holidays of Australia had won the rights to run a new travel centre on Grenfell St, city.

Holidays of Australia is owned by Ben Mead, a son-in-law to Tourism Commission chairman Bob Foord.
Mr Rau yesterday told Parliament he had demanded the Tourism Commission provide him with all details relating to the deal, including probity controls used during the selection process.

"I have been advised by the Commission that procurement processes were followed in line with State Procurement Board guidelines and that an independent probity consultant was engaged to ensure that the process was fair and transparent," he said.

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