Nick Foa has quit as the head of transport services at Victoria’s Department of Transport.Credit:Penny Stephens
The department launched an internal investigation afterThe Age reportedFoa’s involvement in the online fundraiser. Details of the review,which concluded before his resignation,are confidential.
The online campaign was started byyacht co-owner and City of Melbourne chief executive Justin Hanney and raised $35,855,which included two anonymous donations worth $4500 and $9000.
“Nick Foa and his crew from Samskara introduced me to yacht racing. Last year we purchased Protagonost[sic],a Benteau first 40 to compete in a S2H yacht race. In five years time,Nick and I plan to race in the Melbourne to Osaka race. The funds raised will be sued[sic] to support equipment,crew and costs associated with the S2H,” the donations page read.
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The 2020 race was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns and there is no record of a yacht called Protagonost,but event records indicate Hanney registered to take part in the 2021 race as the co-owner of the similarly named Protagonist. The 12-metre yacht is registered to Foa.
The fundraiser led to questions about whether the men,who are bound by strict government codes of conduct that require the declaration of significant gifts,should have disclosed the donations to their respective employers.
Department of Transport employees need to immediately register all gifts,benefits and hospitality offers valued at $50 or more.