Page 2333 - Week 08 - Friday, 21 June 1991
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Mr Speaker, the ACT Government has myriads of small organisational units, each handling some small slice of the Government's business. Each has its own manager, often with its own administrative support. Seasonal fluctuations may mean staff are frequently underoccupied. Overheads are high and productivity is low. Consolidation into larger units, but with a focus on a community of clients, could achieve major efficiencies. Staff will gain as well through an investment in multi-skilling and the creation of more interesting jobs.
Mr Speaker, the Access Communications report I commissioned, which proposed an ACT Sports Council, is a good example of what is possible. This proposal was for the amalgamation of the key government sports units. It promises a rationalisation of administrative overheads and a freeing up of resources to better meet the needs of its clients - the ACT sports community.
Mr Speaker, I was concerned to note during question time that Mr Berry and Mr Connolly tossed the ball around about the Tuggeranong pool. I was even more concerned when I read the administrative arrangements orders and saw that Mr Bill Wood is responsible for the Public Baths and Public Bathing Act. So, clearly - - -
Mr Wood: Why would you be concerned?
MR COLLAERY: And, I might add, the Nudity Act, Mr Wood. So, you there have your challenge. One wonders whether we are going to get that rationalisation of administrative overheads when there are three Ministers really nodding at each other when someone poses a question about the Tuggeranong pool. Perhaps, Mr Wood - through you, Mr Speaker - Mr Berry would have the deep end of that pool, given his stature; Mr Connolly would be slightly behind him in the diving section still; and Mr Wood would be the loyal back-up down there in the wading end.
The administration needs to be continually challenging the way it does its business, and we need Ministers who will continue to do that challenging. If that produces the odd unfavourable report in the press, as some members of the former Alliance Government got, so be it.
Mr Humphries: Like in health and education.
MR COLLAERY: I did not hear Mr Humphries interjection; but, if it was a mea culpa, then I will accept it.
Mr Speaker, does a particular task or job have to be done? Are there better ways of doing it? Could the work be done better by contracting it out? They are the questions to be asked. A businesslike approach to contracting could transform the operations of much of the ACT Government. The example of Manly Municipal Council could be followed. There the works department has to bid for council business
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