PROMINENT Mount Gambier businessman Matthew Laurie Patzel, 47, fronted the Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday on charges relating to the alleged rorting of a $150m prison development.
Mr Patzel – who is managing director of a large Mount Gambier plastering business – has been charged with two counts of abuse of public office and one count of bribery or corruption of a public officer.
Public servant Paul Andrew Robinson – who is employed as a senior executive in the Department for Correctional Services – also appeared in court yesterday.
The Seaton man, 40, has been charged with two counts of abuse of public office and one count of bribery or corruption of a public officer.
It will be alleged that between June 1, 2018 and July 15, 2019, the men colluded to corrupt the tender and procurement processes associated with the $150m redevelopment of the Yatala Labour Prison in order to financially benefit themselves.
In a statement released by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Bruce Lander in mid-July, the arrest of the two men followed an “extensive and long-running” investigation.
“The investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges may result,” Mr Lander said.
This included the execution of nine search warrants.
“I believe there are people in the business sector who were involved in the recent tender process for the Yatala Labour Prison redevelopment management contract and other persons who were involved in a recent expression of interest process for the modular design of prison cells, who are aware of the public officer’s alleged activities,” Mr Lander said.
“I expect that those members of the business sector will co-operate with the ongoing investigation.”
According to court proceedings yesterday, prosecutors have extensive evidence that includes documents and telephone intercept recordings.
It is understood Robinson, 40, is currently suspended from his duties with the Department for Correctional Services.
Both men have yet to enter a plea.
Patzel will return to court on February 25, 2020, for charge determination and preliminary briefs to be returned.
The accused remains on bail after yesterday’s court proceedings.
Patzel is the managing director of MG Plasterers, which has been operating in Mount Gambier for more than 30 years.
According to the company’s website, the plastering business employs 50 people.
