Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1995 Week 8 Hansard (26 October) . . Page.. 2100 ..

MRS CARNELL: I just assumed that the Opposition would like some information.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, indeed. I take your point, Chief Minister. It looks as though we will be asking you at the end of question time to answer the question that was asked by Mr Whitecross yesterday and, I think, was referred to by the Leader of the Opposition in her first question today.

MRS CARNELL: Yes; but, if nobody wants any information, that is fine too.

Mr Berry: We want the documents. Will you table them?

MR SPEAKER: If you want to ask a question, Mr Berry, get up on your feet and ask one.

Mr Kaine: Mr Speaker, can we proceed with question time? If they have finished their little discussion over there of a philosophical nature, perhaps we could get on with question time.

MR SPEAKER: Did you want to ask a question, Mr Kaine?

Mr Kaine: Yes, I did, if members of the Opposition would permit it.

MR SPEAKER: Proceed.

MR KAINE: I put a question to Mr De Domenico in his capacity as Minister for Urban Services. Minister, can you comment on a recently released draft report prepared by the Industry Commission on competitive tendering and contracting by public sector agencies? Can you inform the Assembly how the ACT compares in this matter with other States and with the Federal Government?

MR DE DOMENICO: Thank you, Mr Kaine, for the first sensible question in about a week and a half, a question that all members of the community would be delighted to get an answer to. I thank Mr Kaine for his question. Yes, I can comment, Mr Kaine.

The report released by the Industry Commission on Tuesday is a very important document. Its findings clearly support this Government's commitment to delivering quality services by giving value for money to the community. The report identifies that competitive tendering and contracting is about helping public sector managers to ensure that the best provider is chosen for the task at hand. The public has a right to expect a good level of service for the rates and taxes they pay. This is not a new notion to the Government, as it is what we have been saying since March, and for years before, when we were in opposition. The report also makes it clear that with competitive tendering there can be increased flexibility in service delivery and greater focus on outputs and outcomes rather than inputs. This is in tune with this Government's thinking to create a truly performance- and client-oriented public sector capable of meeting the challenges of the times.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .