SA Premier refers $15b road project to ICAC over bikie infiltration fears

Move follows opposition concerns about organised crime in infrastructure

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published25 October 2026

Read Time2 min

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has taken the unusual step of referring the state's flagship $15 billion Torrens to Darlington road project to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over fears of outlaw motorcycle gang infiltration in subcontracting works.

The government has described reports that an outlaw gang member "attempted to take an interest" in a since-suspended company contracted to work on the project. In a statement, Mr Malinauskas said he had written to ICAC Commissioner Emma Townsend, requesting an independent evaluation of integrity safeguards.

"There is no evidence before the state government that organised crime has gained access to the Torrens to Darlington project," the Premier said. He characterised the referral as a precautionary measure to ensure taxpayer funds do not end up in the hands of organised crime.

Opposition spokesperson Ben Hood last week raised concerns about the possible involvement of bikie gangs, warning that South Australia "can't afford" to have its major projects hijacked.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Joe Szakacs reiterated the government's zero tolerance for criminal behaviour, stating that the state's track record has set it apart from other regions. "South Australia has been fortunate not to witness the sort of behaviour on major projects that has been seen on the eastern seaboard," Mr Malinauskas added.

The $15 billion Torrens to Darlington transport corridor upgrade, jointly funded by the state and federal governments, is described as the largest infrastructure project in South Australia's history. It will ultimately be up to ICAC to determine whether it investigates the matter.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

The project is the largest infrastructure initiative in South Australia, meaning any corruption could waste significant taxpayer funds and undermine public trust.
It tests the government's capacity to prevent organised crime from infiltrating public works, a problem that has plagued other states.
The ICAC referral could set a precedent for how future projects are shielded from criminal influence.

Background

The Torrens to Darlington road project is a $15 billion transport corridor upgrade connecting major areas of Adelaide, jointly funded by the state and federal governments. ICAC is the state's independent corruption watchdog. The referral follows opposition pressure over fears that outlaw motorcycle gangs might be infiltrating subcontracting works.

Key Perspectives

Premier Peter Malinauskas: "There is no evidence that organised crime has gained access to the project, but we have a responsibility to make sure the right safeguards are in place and working as they should." Opposition spokesperson Ben Hood: "South Australia can't afford this and have its major projects hijacked." Infrastructure Minister Joe Szakacs: "We have zero tolerance for criminal behaviour, intimidation, or violence on our projects and have strong requirements and protections in place to enforce this."

What to Watch

Whether ICAC Commissioner Emma Townsend decides to launch a formal investigation and what scope it might have.
Any evidence that emerges of bikie gang involvement in the project's supply chain.
Political fallout depending on the ICAC's findings or if the referral is seen as overly precautionary.

Sources

SA premier refers $15b project to ICAC over bikie 'infiltration' fears · ABC News

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe SA Premier referred the $15b Torrens to Darlington road project to ICAC over bikie-infiltration fears.Adelaide articles feed: “SA premier refers $15b project to ICAC over bikie 'infiltration' fears.”
SupportedThe move followed opposition concerns about organised crime in infrastructure projects.Adelaide articles feed: “The move comes after pressure from the state opposition, which last week raised concerns about major projects being hijacked by criminals.”
SupportedThe Premier took the unusual step of referring the state's flagship infrastructure project to the corruption watchdog over fears of bikie infiltration in subcontracting works.Adelaide articles feed: “The South Australian government has taken the extraordinary step of referring its flagship infrastructure project to the corruption watchdog over fears of bikie "infiltration" in subcontracting works.”
Partly supportedThe project costs $15 billion.Adelaide articles feed: “With a price tag of more than $15 billion — an amount that is being jointly funded by the state and federal governments”
SupportedThe government described reports that an outlaw gang member “attempted to take an interest” in a since-suspended company contracted to work on the project.Adelaide articles feed: “what the government has described as reports an outlaw gang member "attempted to take an interest" in a since-suspended company that had been contracted to work on the project.”
SupportedThe Premier said, “There is no evidence before the state government that organised crime has gained access to the Torrens to Darlington project.”Adelaide articles feed: “"There is no evidence before the state government that organised crime has gained access to the Torrens to Darlington project."”
Partly supportedThe Premier characterised the referral as a precautionary measure to ensure taxpayer funds do not end up in the hands of organised crime.Adelaide articles feed: “It said it had requested ICAC's involvement as a precautionary measure to ensure taxpayer funds did not end up in the hands of organised crime.”
Not in the sourcesBen Hood warned that South Australia “can't afford” to have its major projects hijacked.Adelaide articles feed: “"South Australia can't afford this and have its major projects hijacked," he said.”
Partly supportedJoe Szakacs said the state's track record had set it apart from other regions.Adelaide articles feed: “"Our track record of keeping criminal elements out of our projects has set us apart from other states," Infrastructure and Transport Minister Joe Szakacs said.”
SupportedMalinauskas said, “South Australia has been fortunate not to witness the sort of behaviour on major projects that has been seen on the eastern seaboard.”Adelaide articles feed: “"South Australia has been fortunate not to witness the sort of behaviour on major projects that has been seen on the eastern seaboard. I'm determined to keep it that way."”
SupportedThe project is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and is described as South Australia's largest infrastructure project.Adelaide articles feed: “With a price tag of more than $15 billion — an amount that is being jointly funded by the state and federal governments — the Torrens to Darlington transport corridor upgrade has been described as the biggest-ever infrastructure project in SA.”
SupportedIt is up to ICAC to determine whether it investigates the matter.Adelaide articles feed: “The government said it would be up to the ICAC to determine whether it investigated the matter.”