Page 2255 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 August 2022
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The key point is that given the government’s commitment to provide an update after two years, let us make it a thorough review and update after two years of the commencement of the Act. I commend my amendments to the Assembly.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.
Sitting suspended from 12.02 to 2.00 pm.
Questions without notice
Canberra Institute of Technology—board
MS LEE: My question is to the Minister for Skills. Minister, on 1 April 2020 you appointed former Labor Senator Kate Lundy as deputy chair of the CIT board. After that date, CIT engaged a contractor for CEO mentoring services to the value of $7.2 million, which you described as “seriously damaging” to CIT’s reputation. Despite years of questionable contracting on her watch as deputy, you went ahead with the appointment of Kate Lundy as chair on 1 July this year. Minister, is this an appropriate appointment?
MR STEEL: I thank Ms Lee for her question. I have every confidence that Kate Lundy is doing a fantastic job. She only took over the chair role from 1 July this year, and she is doing a range of different things to improve the governance and financial management of CIT since she started in that role.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members, can I point out that the minister was on his feet for 15 seconds before the interjections and the commentary started. How about toning all of that down a tad?
MS LEE: Minister, you have also appointed a former board member to the deputy position, who was on the board while $1.5 million worth of contracts were signed with the same CIT contractor. Do you think this is an appropriate appointment for good governance?
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, you are warned. That is enough. You are serially a pest.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Sit down, Mr Hanson.
MR STEEL: Ms Natalie Howson has been appointed as deputy chair, and she is a new appointment to the CIT. She is joining the board for the first time. She provides considerable experience to the board, particularly in governance, and in government policy, understanding of financial management and the Financial Management Act.
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