THE CEO of the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has been temporarily stood down as the ACT Integrity Commission begins its investigation into a series of multi-million dollar contracts awarded to a single consultant.

It was yesterday (June 23) confirmed that CEO Leanne Cover has agreed to take leave until the investigation into more than $8.5 million awarded to “complexity and systems thinker” Patrick Hollingworth is complete.

The CIT board last week said it could not guarantee the most recent contract awarded to Mr Hollingworth, worth almost $5 million, provided “value for money”.

The contract, which has since been suspended, has become the subject of an internal audit by the CIT board.

The board has confirmed that Ms Cover will be subject to a performance appraisal.

The ACT’s Integrity Commission yesterday confirmed they will probe the contracts, the first time the corruption watchdog has ever publicly announced a decision to investigate a matter.

“Recent public discourse in the media and in the ACT Legislative Assembly, which clearly pointed to the high likelihood that an investigation by the Commission would occur, and the need to take steps to ensure the integrity of this process, has made this announcement desirable,” said Integrity Commissioner Michael F Adams.

“It also provides an opportunity to request any person or entity with information pertaining to the Commission’s investigation report to provide their information to the Commission as soon as possible.”