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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 7 Hansard (24 June) . . Page.. 1960 ..

MR CORBELL: Minister, is it the case that you were recently approached by the Royal Life Saving Society, which raised with you concerns that Leisure Australia was not employing the correct number of properly qualified lifesavers to staff the facilities it manages? Minister, can you explain what action you are taking to rectify this situation, or is it the case that you are simply prepared to turn a blind eye to safety procedures to look after your mates?

MR STEFANIAK: Mr Corbell, your lot are the ones who know about mates. What this Government is on about is just trying to do the best possible deal we can for the local citizens of Canberra, and that includes recreation facilities. Mr Corbell, I have meetings with the Royal Life Saving Society quite regularly. As you are well aware, Mr Hird is a member of it. Yes, they met with me and they raised a number of concerns. Concerns raised by anyone are taken very much on board by this Government.

In terms of Mr Corbell's question, I understand that, over the past few weeks, a number of staff actually have been refused work at both of the facilities managed by Leisure Australia because their qualifications had, in fact, expired. Also, I understand that a register is kept. They are obliged to keep a comprehensive register of all staff, detailing qualifications. That has recently been audited by the bureau, Mr Corbell, and it was found to be up to date and accurate.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I would like to ask a supplementary question. The Minister has really failed to address one point in my question, which is: Were the pools employing the correct number of people? Yes or no? Were they employing the correct number of properly qualified lifesavers? If not, why not? Minister, I also ask: Is it the case that you have simply gone down the road of using shonky procedures to engage consultants and contractors that you now have to stand by?

Mrs Carnell: The Auditor-General said that the procedures were fine.

Ms McRae: He did not. I would not boast about the Auditor-General.

MR STEFANIAK: Mr Corbell, I repeat that the Auditor-General, in his report, last year - - -

MR SPEAKER: Would you all be quiet while Mr Stefaniak answers the supplementary question.

MR STEFANIAK: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Auditor-General has gone through all of that and has given that particular part a big tick in the box, Mr Corbell. So, I would just refer you back to that report. Mr Corbell, you might also be interested to hear that the bureau is the ultimate area for seeing that the contractors are doing their job properly. What they do there, Mr Speaker, is investigate all complaints and take action if that is warranted. Also there are well-established procedures, under the contracts, for monitoring performance and dealing with complaints.

Mr Corbell: On a point of order, Mr Speaker - - -

MR STEFANIAK: All pools are subject to six-monthly formal reviews.

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