Page 306 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 12 May 1992
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You also asked whether we got some return of funding for this and what compensation was made. It is my memory that prior to late last year when we took over this function we used these same people then employed in the Commonwealth under a memorandum of understanding. We actually paid out of our money to the Commonwealth under the terms of that memorandum for the services that were provided. As officers debated with me, and I believe before me with you, the best means of carrying out this function, they looked at a number of options. They looked at continuing the arrangements under the memorandum of understanding - that is, that we pay out of our money to the Commonwealth for the use of these people. Another option was that it be privatised; that the private sector alone do the work. The one that substantially transpired was that we take over these people and employ them ourselves. In fact, that is what we did.
We allowed some avenue for private enterprise in order to keep a bit of a balance; so that we can keep an assessment of how things may be done in terms of costs, and so that we do not lose it all and perhaps lose contact with the costs of the private sector. I am sure you would agree with that; that we should make sure that we keep up our level of expertise in relation to the private sector. In fact, the money is still being paid out for us but now these people are working directly for us. That is the way the financing was done. We have always paid for them. But again I will check the detail on that and advise you in the morning.
I think it is worth mentioning, as we conclude the debate, that the surveyors in Canberra have done a very great job over a number of years. We tend to pay great tribute to Walter Burley Griffin as the architect and the father of Canberra, but we sometimes ought to reflect on the fact that before Walter Burley Griffin could do anything we needed the surveyors. They had to provide the material from which he could work. From the very earliest days they have done a marvellous job, and they continue to do so today.
In Heritage Week I saw a display that they mounted. The equipment used by the first surveyor, Scrivener, was on display alongside the most recent equipment, which uses satellite and computer technology. This group has kept up to date. They are ahead of most of the players and right up with the most modern of what is happening in the world. I am happy to give them credit for the work they have done in Canberra over a long period.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
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