Immigration the Butt of “Corruption Jokes”

Carlos Perdomo

The “culture of corruption” has become a theme of the Senate Inquiry. Various Immigration officers have come forward to acknowledge that the department was largely at the mercy of ministers of government and their lackeys who pretty much got what they wanted at double speed. Even those not involved have said they stay far away from Immigration because of its stench. But the man in charge for part of the time, Carlos Perdomo, today said at the Senate Special Select Committee that it was not talked about much in his circle, except as the butt of jokes.

Mark Lizarraga, Senator, Business Community

“Minister, were you aware while you were there of a culture of corruption in the Department?”

Carlos Perdomo, Former Minister of Immigration and National Security

“I wasn’t aware that there was a culture of corruption; but in everyday talk with friends and so, you hear about Customs, you hear about Immigration, you hear about Police so that is how you hear. I wasn’t aware there was a culture within the Department; but you hear jokes like this one got big house and so but I did not know there was an operative type of thing.”

Mark Lizarraga

“And that would be a joke, Minister, if this one had a big house; that would be a joke?”

Carlos Perdomo

“I said with friends.”