Veronica Theriault appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court by video link from Perth on Thursday, and pleaded guilty to deception and dishonesty offences.

Her brother, who was involved in the scam to a lesser degree, also entered guilty pleas.

The pair were arrested last September following an investigation by South Australia’s Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Bruce Lander.

Theriault had been hired as the chief information officer in the South Australian Department of Premier and Cabinet – a position with an annual salary of up to $244,000 – while she hired her brother, Alan Corkill, as a contractor.

The pair have had their bail continued and will be arraigned in the District Court in September.

Theriault has appeared by video-link several times throughout the court proceedings, but magistrate Elizabeth Sheppard said she must appear in person next month.

– AAP