Page 1836 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 15 June 1993
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MR BERRY: Mr De Domenico reckons that it ought to be privatised, and so do some other people.
Mrs Carnell: Who?
MR BERRY: Mr De Domenico tabled the letter himself. It is dated 30 September and is signed by somebody by the name of Frank Burke. I do not know who was behind this proposal to - - -
Ms Follett: Someone called Draft?
MR BERRY: Yes, that is the draft letter. I do not know who was behind this particular proposal, but it was somebody who did not have the approval of the shareholders, I can tell you. The change to a statutory authority will ensure that those concerns which I have talked about will no longer be concerns well into the future. It will also mean greater accountability to the Government and to the Assembly in that the Bill requires all directions given by the Minister to be tabled in the Assembly and reported on in the ACTTAB annual report. I should point out to you, Mr De Domenico, that ACTTAB is not currently subject to the Audit Act. The amendments will make ACTTAB subject to the Audit Act. The Bill will also require ACTTAB to make quarterly reports to the Government. ACTTAB will now be accountable to the ACT Government and this Assembly. These provisions ensure that the elected representatives of the people of the ACT can have access to the Government's directions to ACTTAB, with an explanation of how these directions have been effected. That makes it clear.
There will be improved reporting to the ACT community on ACTTAB operations. The Bill provides for quarterly reports to the Minister, together with an annual report. ACTTAB will report under the provisions of the Audit Act 1989, as I have already said. The Bill also requires ACTTAB to seek ministerial approval to enter into contracts in excess of $250,000. I would have to say that with ministerial control of this issue nobody will be going out there talking about privatisation of ACTTAB. It just will not happen. There will be no speculation about this issue. There will be no destabilising of ACTTAB in the ACT by people who wish to secure these privatisation aims. That sort of destabilisation will not occur. In fact, that very act caused this Government to take very swift action and kick the legs out from under it. We have to have a stable environment for the TAB to operate here in the ACT. Mr De Domenico seems to be doing everything he can to undermine it.
The Minister will also consult with the board in determining what part of any operating surplus in the financial year shall be paid to the Territory. Apart from the improved reporting mechanisms, there are a number of other changes to the management of ACTTAB. As it will no longer be a company, ACTTAB will no longer be directed by shareholders. The relevant portfolio Minister will be the Minister responsible for ACTTAB operations. Directors of the board will be appointed by the Minister, and the chair and the deputy chair of the board will also by appointed by the Minister. Currently the board appoints those positions. So they will be more accountable to the Government and to this Assembly. The Minister will also appoint the chief executive officer, in consultation with the board. The chief executive officer is currently appointed by the board.
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