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‘Zero tolerance for criminal activity’, says NAB chief legal counsel
Following the jailing of a former chief of staff to chief executives, National Australia Bank (NAB) chief legal counsel Sharon Cook has said the bank is “pleased” one part of a multimillion-dollar scam has concluded.
Jerome Doraisamy
As reported earlier this week by ABC and other outlets, Rosemary Rogers – who worked for NAB for over two decades and was chief of staff to CEOs Andrew Thorburn and Cameron Clyne – has been imprisoned for eight years for conspiring to defraud the banking giant.
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The NSW District Court heard that Ms Rogers had accepted millions of dollars in inducements in the form of international holidays, home renovations, and a car from co-accused Helen Rosamond, representing event company Human Group. Ms Rogers was alleged to have approved inflated invoices by Human Group between 2013 and 2017 to ensure that the event company maintained a contract with the bank.
In a statement issued following sentencing, NAB chief legal counsel Ms Cook said that the bank had assisted NSW Police with its enquiries over the course of the investigation into Ms Rogers’ conduct, and it is “pleased this part of the matter is now resolved”.
“The issue was first reported by a whistle-blower, and I thank them for coming forward and alerting us to this illegal activity, enabling NAB to investigate thoroughly and refer it to the police,” she said.
“NAB has zero tolerance for any criminal activity. Where criminal conduct is identified, we will refer it to the police. Since becoming aware of the issue, we have made changes to strengthen controls in our organisation, including changing delegations and introducing additional checks on expenses.
“As there is a second party involved who is still before the Court, NAB is unable to comment further on this matter. We are taking court action to recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud.”
Ms Rogers is set to serve at least four years and nine months in jail, before being eligible for parole in October 2025.
