An independent probity audit into the Department of Housing and Community Development’s awarding of the Alice Springs town camp tenancy management contract to Zodiac Business Services has been finalised.

The probity audit was announced by Chief Executive Officer Jamie Chalker in February and was undertaken by experienced auditors Merit Partners.

The audit was comprehensive and included the examination of hundreds of pages of tender documents, reports, memorandums, emails and correspondence, as well as interviews with members of the assessment panels, procurement staff, approval delegates and agents who were involved throughout the procurement and assessment process.

Importantly, the audit has found that there is no direct or indirect evidence of external interference in the procurement and assessment process.

The audit has identified a number of steps in the procurement process that can be improved in line with the Northern Territory Government Procurement Directions and Best Practice Guidelines and has made a series of recommendations which the department accepts in full.

CEO Jamie Chalker said “the department has a responsibility to ensure we are an exemplar in how we procure our goods and services and that our decisions are open, transparent and accountable and represent Best Value for Territory.

“Whilst I am satisfied that the tender was awarded to the organisation with the highest Value for Money score, consistent with Northern Territory Government Procurement Directions, we need to learn from this audit. I will be taking further steps to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to address all of the audit’s findings and recommendations.

“The department has already implemented a number of changes including an organisation restructure that strengthens the independence of the Chief Procurement Officer role, and I am fostering a more collaborative approach between the procurement function and program areas to improve the way we plan and design our tender processes. Ongoing procurement awareness training will be conducted across the department in coming months and we will be strengthening the support and guidance that is provided to employees involved in both procurement and contract management."

The department will not be commenting further on the matter.