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

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 3 Hansard (9 March) . . Page.. 894 ..

MR QUINLAN: I move:

That the Treasurer, after consultation with the Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration (incorporating the Public Accounts Committee), appoint an independent Probity Auditor to oversight the establishment of the proposed partnership arrangements between subsidiaries of ACTEW Corporation Limited and the Australian Gas Light Company. The Probity Auditor will have terms of reference, not limited to but including the following principles:

(1) to ensure that the steps taken to arrive at a process of direct negotiation with the Australian Gas Light Company are defensible and have been objective;

(2) to minimise potential liability that might otherwise arise out of the conduct of the select process;

(3) to ensure the probity of the selection process for the engagement of all advisers;

(4) to take action to address all conflict of interest issues as and when they might arise;

(5) to ensure effective contract risk management arrangements;

(6) to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to optimise outcomes for the Australian Capital Territory and its people;

(7) to ensure compliance with obligations regarding consultation with affected employees and their representative organisations;

(8) to ensure a clear audit trail.

So we do not get a reputation for being totally fast and loose, I believe it is appropriate that an independent probity auditor be appointed to monitor what goes on from here. As a result of Mr Kaine's earlier amendment, there will be some reference to a committee. We are all aware that there are some limitations in terms of what time and effort a committee can devote to such a complex issue. We will certainly do our best. However, not only do we need to afford protection to the people of the ACT in getting the best deal - the best of a bad lot - but we must give the appearance that that has occurred.

The people of Canberra are entitled to the appearance of probity, proper checks and due process. It is important that we audit this process from step one, because it has been a less than conventional road to arrive at this one-on-one negotiation. There was an announcement on 9 April last year that a merger with Great Southern Energy was being investigated. The next day we had a hastily cobbled together invitation for expressions of interest which I contend and which is reasonable to assume was designed to validate, to some extent, the immediate process of going into one-on-one negotiations with Great Southern Energy.

The expressions of interest rolled in and over a considerable period of time received scant attention. When the Great Southern Energy deal fell through, they were immediately grabbed out and dusted off. At that time or since - I cannot exactly recall -

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