Rail manager job a 'captain's pick': IBAC

Victoria's regional rail company paid a manager more than $500,000 a year despite him never having a relevant degree under a "captain's pick" move, an anti-corruption hearing has been told.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission is examining alleged corruption at V/Line, including the hiring of Alan Clifford as acting rolling stock manager on a salary of more than $400,000 in October 2014.

He was originally brought on as a consultant through a friend, but within a month was offered the managerial job and his pay later rose to $521,775 a year, with a $16,000 bonus.

Wednesday's hearing was told Mr Clifford's job was never externally advertised, he did not got through a formal interview process, and resisted filing paperwork to the human resources department because he did not have the relevant degrees.

When asked by counsel assisting the examination, Ian Hill QC, if his employment was "really a captain's pick", Mr Clifford responded: "It would seem that way."

The examination of V/Line, before Commissioner Stephen O'Bryan, will continue on Thursday.