Geoffrey Smith (admiral)

Last updated

Geoffrey Smith
Born (1950-05-16) 16 May 1950 (age 69)
Sydney, New South Wales
AllegianceAustralia
Service/branch Royal Australian Navy
Years of service1965–2002
Rank Rear Admiral
Commands held Maritime Commander Australia (2000–02)
Deputy Chief of Navy (1999–00)
Northern Command (1999)
HMAS Perth (1995–96)
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Officer of the Order of Australia (2002; revoked in 2015)
Other workCEO of Sydney Ferries (2006–09); dismissed for corrupt conduct

Rear Admiral Geoffrey Francis Smith (born 16 May 1950) is a retired officer of the Royal Australian Navy. After retiring from a 37-year naval career, Smith was appointed CEO of Sydney Ferries until his dismissal over allegations of misuse of his corporate credit card. Investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 2009, Smith was found by the commission to have engaged in corrupt conduct. The case was referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions, and he was jailed for up to two years after pleading guilty before the District Court of New South Wales to one charge of cheating or defrauding Sydney Ferries. [1]

Rear admiral is the third-highest active rank of the Royal Australian Navy and was created as a direct equivalent of the British rank of rear admiral. It is a two-star rank.

Royal Australian Navy Naval warfare branch of the Australian Defence Force

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force. Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, the ships and resources of the separate colonial navies were integrated into a national force, called the Commonwealth Naval Forces. Originally intended for local defence, the navy was granted the title of 'Royal Australian Navy' in 1911, and became increasingly responsible for defence of the region.

Sydney Ferries public transport ferry service on Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River in Sydney, Australia.

Sydney Ferries is the public transport ferry network serving the Australian city of Sydney, New South Wales. Services operate on Sydney Harbour and the connecting Parramatta River. The network is controlled by the New South Wales Government's transport authority, Transport for NSW, and is part of the authority's Opal ticketing system. In 2017-18, 15.3 million passenger journeys were made on the network.

Contents

Smith was born in Sydney in 1950, and entered the Royal Australian Naval College in 1968. [2] From January 1995 to July 1996, he was the commanding officer of the guided missile destroyer HMAS Perth. [3]

HMAS <i>Perth</i> (D 38) Guided missile destroyer of the Australian Navy, sunk as a dive site off Western Australia

HMAS Perth was the lead ship of the Perth class guided missile destroyers operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Built in the United States of America to a modified version of the Charles F. Adams design, Perth entered service with the RAN in 1965.

In 1996, he became Director-General of Naval Policy and Warfare, and in 1997, Commandant of the ADF Warfare Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown. In 1999, he was Commander of Northern Command, and later that year became Deputy Chief of Navy. From July 2000 to July 2002, Smith served as Maritime Commander Australia. Smith retired from the navy in 2002, with the rank of rear admiral. [2]

RAAF Base Williamtown Royal Australian Air Force base

RAAF Base Williamtown is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) military air base located 8 nautical miles north of the coastal city of Newcastle in the local government area of Port Stephens, in New South Wales, Australia. The base serves as the headquarters to both the Air Combat Group and the Surveillance and Response Group of the RAAF. The military base shares its runway facilities with Newcastle Airport. The nearest towns are Raymond Terrace, located 8 km (5 mi) west of the base and Medowie, 6.8 km (4.2 mi), north of the base, which is home to many of the base's staff.

The Northern Command is a joint operational Australian Defence Force formation. Northern Command is responsible for the planning and conduct of operations to the north of Australia during peacetime and wartime. In addition, Northern Command manages the defence aspects of the multi-agency Maritime Border Command.

The Deputy Chief of Navy (DCN) is the second most senior appointment in the Royal Australian Navy, responsible to the Chief of Navy (CN). The rank associated with the position is rear admiral (2-star).

Sydney Ferries

After leaving the navy, Smith worked as a consultant for Nautilus Underwater Systems, and then worked for Australian Defence Industries (ADI Limited). [4] After nine months at ADI, his corporate American Express credit card was cancelled after he incurred a $28,000 debt. [5]

American Express American multinational financial services corporation

The American Express Company, also known as AMEX, is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Three World Financial Center in New York City. The company was founded in 1850 and is one of the 30 components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is best known for its charge card, credit card, and traveler's cheque businesses.

On 21 August 2006, Smith was appointed as chief executive officer of Sydney Ferries. Between September 2006 and March 2009, Smith charged over $237,000 of personal expenses to his corporate credit card. Despite an annual salary of $320,000, Smith found himself in financial difficulties, with a substantial mortgage on a home in northern Sydney and medical expenses following his wife's illness and hospitalisation. Between December 2006 and June 2008, Smith reimbursed Sydney Ferries $135,598 for personal expenditure but made no further reimbursements, leaving an outstanding debt of $102,000. Furthermore, in October 2008 Smith had signed a letter to the Minister for Transport, David Campbell, assuring the minister that corporate card use within the organisation was in full compliance with government policy that cards only be used for official business. [4]

David Andrew Campbell, a former Australian politician, was a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Keira between 1999 and 2011. A former Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Campbell was Minister for Transport in the NSW Government from 8 September 2008 until his resignation on 20 May 2010. On 28 September 2010, Campbell announced that he would not seek Labor endorsement for re-election at the 2011 NSW election.

On 18 March 2009, Smith's conduct came to the attention of John Lee, Director-General of the Department of Premier & Cabinet, who stood him aside immediately. On 27 May, Minister Campbell announced that Smith's employment had been terminated. The case was referred for investigation to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which made findings of corrupt conduct by Smith and referred him to the Department of Public Prosecutions. [4]

John Lee is the CEO of Australian Sailing, the peak body for sailing activities across the nation as well as oversight of the highly successful Olympic programme. Lee is a Director of Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (Queensland) and Zenergy Mindset and wellbeing. Lee is the former CEO of the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Tourism and Transport Forum

Department of Premier and Cabinet (New South Wales)

The New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), a department of the New South Wales Government, is responsible for leading the New South Wales public sector to deliver on the Government's commitments and priorities. The department provides administrative support that enables the cabinet to identify, design and implement a coordinated policy, project and reform agenda that boosts the efficiency, productivity and effectiveness across the State. The department consults and work closely with other New South Wales government departments, the Commonwealth Government, local government, business and the community to ensure responses to community needs are effective.

Independent Commission Against Corruption (New South Wales) anti-corruption agency in New South Wales, Australia

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), an independent agency of the Government of New South Wales, is responsible for eliminating and investigating corrupt activities and enhancing the integrity of the public administration in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The Commission was established in 1989, pursuant to the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act, 1988 (NSW), modeled after the ICAC in Hong Kong.

From February 2011, Smith worked as a casual employee at a local Bunnings Warehouse, whilst waiting for his case to be heard. [6] In July 2011, he filed for bankruptcy, at that stage owing over $410,000 to banks, landlords and phone companies. [7]

In August 2014, Smith pleaded guilty to one charge of cheating or defrauding Sydney Ferries. Prior to sentencing, District Court judge Michael Finnane cited Smith's "exemplary good character" in his naval career, saying it was "a tragedy that such a distinguished man should find himself facing sentence for fraud offences". He was sentenced to a minimum of eighteen months and a maximum of two years in prison. [1]

Honours

Related Research Articles

HMAS <i>Perth</i> (D29) 1936-1942 modified Leander-class light cruiser of the Royal and Royal Australian Navies

HMAS Perth was one of three modified Leander-class light cruisers used by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) during the early part of World War II. She was built for the Royal Navy (RN) in the mid-1930s and was commissioned as HMS Amphion in 1936. The ship spent the next several years as flagship of the Africa Station before she was transferred to the RAN in 1939 and renamed as HMAS Perth.

Chris Barrie (admiral) Australian naval officer, Chief of the Defence Force

Admiral Christopher Alexander Barrie, is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy, who served as Chief of the Defence Force from 4 July 1998 to 3 July 2002.

Russ Shalders Australian admiral

Vice Admiral Russell Edward Shalders, is a retired admiral of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). He served as Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2002 to 2005, and as Chief of Navy from 2005 to 2008.

Rear Admiral Peter Ross Sinclair, is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy who served as the 35th Governor of New South Wales from 8 August 1990 to 1 March 1996. Born in Manly, New South Wales, he was educated North Sydney Boys High School before joining the navy through the Royal Australian Naval College.

David Martin (governor) senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy and later Governor of New South Wales

Rear Admiral Sir David James Martin, was a senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy and later Governor of New South Wales. He also established the Sir David Martin Foundation to assist young Australians in crisis.

Hector Waller Royal Australian Navy captain

Hector Macdonald Laws (Hec) Waller, was a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). His career spanned almost thirty years, including service in both world wars. At the helm of the flotilla leader HMAS Stuart in the Mediterranean from 1939 to 1941, he won recognition as a skilful ship's captain and flotilla commander. He then transferred to the South West Pacific as captain of the light cruiser HMAS Perth, and went down with his ship against heavy odds during the Battle of Sunda Strait in early 1942.

<i>Melbourne</i>–<i>Evans</i> collision 1969 ship collision

The Melbourne–Evans collision was a collision between the light aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans of the United States Navy (USN). On 3 June 1969, the two ships were participating in SEATO exercise Sea Spirit in the South China Sea. Around 3:00 am, when ordered to a new escort station, Evans sailed under Melbourne's bow, where she was cut in two. Seventy-four of Evans's crew were killed.

David Stevenson (admiral) officer of the Royal Australian Navy (1918-1998)

Vice Admiral Sir Hugh David Stevenson was a senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy, serving as Chief of Naval Staff from 1973 to 1976.

Rear Admiral Davyd Rhys Thomas is a senior officer in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve.

Nigel Coates (admiral) Royal Australian Navy admiral

Rear Admiral Nigel Stephen Coates, was a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

Victor Smith Australian admiral, Chief of Naval Staff, Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee

Admiral Sir Victor Alfred Trumper Smith, was a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy. Smith's career culminated with his appointment as Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee—forerunner of the role of Australia's Chief of the Defence Force—from 1970 to 1975, following an earlier term as Chief of Naval Staff from 1968 to 1970.

Otto Becher senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy

Rear Admiral Otto Humphrey Becher, & Bar was a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Born in Harvey, Western Australia, Becher entered the Royal Australian Naval College in 1922. After graduating in 1926, he was posted to a series of staff and training positions prior to specialising in gunnery.

Henry Burrell (admiral) Royal Australian Navy chief

Vice Admiral Sir Henry Mackay Burrell, was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). He served as Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) from 1959 to 1962. Born in the Blue Mountains, Burrell entered the Royal Australian Naval College in 1918 as a 13-year-old cadet. His first posting at sea was aboard the cruiser HMAS Sydney. During the 1920s and 1930s, Burrell served for several years on exchange with the Royal Navy, specialising as a navigator. During World War II, he filled a key liaison post with the US Navy, and later saw action as commander of the destroyer HMAS Norman, earning a mention in despatches.

Rear Admiral Kenneth Allan Doolan, is an Australian naval officer, author, and is the former national president of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL). He is a retired rear admiral in the Royal Australian Navy, his most senior commands being Maritime Commander Australia and operational commander of all Australian combatant forces deployed to the Gulf War.

Richard Peek (admiral) Australian admiral

Vice Admiral Sir Richard Innes Peek was a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy, who served as First Naval Member of the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board from 1970 to 1973.

Vice Admiral Sir Wilfred Hastings "Arch" Harrington was a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), who served as First Naval Member and Chief of the Naval Staff from 1962 to 1965.

Rear Admiral Marcus Frederick Bonser, is a retired flag rank officer of the Royal Australian Navy. His final posting was as Head of the Military Justice Implementation Team for the Australian Defence Force.

Vice Admiral Ian Warren Knox AC is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). In a 42-year career, Knox commanded HMA Ships Torrens, Hobart and Melbourne, briefly served as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, and was Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet from 1985 to 1987. His career culminated with his appointment as Vice Chief of the Defence Force in January 1987; a position he held until his retirement in September 1989.

Vice Admiral Robert Andrew Kevin Walls, AO is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). In 42 years of service, Walls commanded HMA Ships Tobruk, Moreton and Brisbane, served as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Maritime Commander Australia, before his career culminated with his appointment as Vice Chief of the Defence Force from April 1995 until his retirement in March 1997.

Rear Admiral John Robert Lord, is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy who served as Maritime Commander Australia from 1999 to 2000. He later embarked on a corporate career, and is Chairman of Huawei Australia.

References

  1. 1 2 AAP (25 August 2014). "Former Sydney Ferries boss and navy rear admiral jailed for $200,000 fraud". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Rear Admiral Geoffrey Francis Smith". Royal Australian Navy. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  3. ↑ "Commanding Officers of HMAS Perth". HMAS Perth National Association. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 "Sydney Ferries – misuse of corporate credit cards (Operation Argyle)". Independent Commission Against Corruption. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  5. ↑ "Credit spree was 'navy culture'". news.com.au. News Limited. 27 June 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  6. ↑ Haynes, Rhys (30 July 2011). "Disgraced Rear Admiral Geoff Smith is now working at Bunnings". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  7. ↑ Haynes, Rhys (26 July 2011). "Admiral, former Sydney Ferries boss Geoff Smith sinking in a sea of debt of $410,000". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  8. ↑ "SMITH, Geoffrey Francis". It's an Honour. Australian Government. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  9. ↑ "SMITH, Geoffrey Francis". It's an Honour. Australian Government. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  10. ↑ "Termination of Appointment of Officer of the Order of Australia in the Military Division made to Mr Geoffrey Francis Smith". ComLaw. Australian Government. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  11. ↑ Geoffrey Smith, Sydney Ferries boss, stripped of gong, sbs.com.au; accessed 13 September 2016.
Military offices
Preceded by
Rear Admiral Chris Ritchie 		Deputy Chief of Navy
1999–2000		Succeeded by
Rear Admiral Brian Adams
Preceded by
Rear Admiral John Lord 		Maritime Commander Australia
2000–2002		Succeeded by
Rear Admiral Raydon Gates
Business positions
Preceded by
Suzanne Sinclair		 CEO of Sydney Ferries
2006–2009		Succeeded by
David Callahan
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.