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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 2 Hansard (26 February) . . Page.. 470 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

In terms of a final contract, the process also does involve the drafting of a single contract document by ACT Contracts and Purchasing. It contains contract clauses and attachments which combine the information contained in the various documents that initially constitute the contract, such as the tender document, the tender, any letters of clarification and the letter of acceptance. This process has taken longer than anticipated, due to the requirement to seek agreement to the document from various sources, including contractors, the Government Solicitor's Office and the bureau, and due to the relatively complex and unusual nature of the contractual arrangements. In terms of the single contract document, ACT Contracts and Purchasing are doing that.

I am advised, Ms Reilly, that currently the correct legal status is that formal contracts were in place from the time the letters of acceptance were issued. If you do not believe me, go and have a chat with the ACT Government Solicitor about it, because that is what they will tell you.

Mr Whitecross: The Auditor-General is wrong again?

Mrs Carnell: Yes, often.

Mr Whitecross: Mr Speaker, on a point of order: Mrs Carnell said that the Auditor-General is often wrong, and I just thought I should get that on the record.

MR SPEAKER: Order! I did not hear the interjection. I do not know what the point of the point of order is, because there is no point of order. Ms Reilly, did you have a supplementary question?

MS REILLY: Yes, Mr Speaker. I am trying to work out what the Minister just said. From reading page 26 of the Auditor-General's Report - - -

MR SPEAKER: Ask your supplementary question without preamble.

MS REILLY: I am just making sure we know - - -

Ms McRae: It is a direct follow-on from his answer, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: In which case, she does not have a supplementary question, does she, and I will call Mr Osborne.

Ms McRae: Mr Speaker, on a point of order: Her question was a direct follow-on from what the Minister said, which is entirely consistent with the standing orders. If it is a direct follow-on from what the Minister said, she is entitled to follow through and ask a supplementary question.

MR SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Ms Reilly, I suggest that you ask your supplementary without preamble; otherwise, I will call Mr Osborne.

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