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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 7 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2567 ..
MRS CROSS
(continuing):Yesterday I put a question to Mr Corbell on issues of fundraising with respect to the Canberra Hospital, celebrity agent Max Markson of Markson Sparks and the visit of former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Later in the day, Minister, you said that you knew Max Markson and indeed you had worked with him in putting on the biggest fundraiser at the AIS for the bushfire appeal. I am amazed that you did not answer that question at question time.
Minister, did the government enter into a contract with Mr Markson of Markson Sparks to stage the fundraising event; and, if so, why did the government not call on the expertise of their own people at the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation who understand the territory's needs and wants and who are, after all, paid to promote the capital?
Minister, were your cabinet colleagues aware of your approach to Mr Markson; and what fee was paid to Mr Markson for the part that he played in the organisation of that fundraising event?
MR QUINLAN
: There are a few questions there, but let me put it in perspective. We're talking about the bushfire fundraiser now, aren't we? The main question: fee? Nil. Did I approach Mr Markson? No. Mr Markson, in concert with Ros Kelly, former member for Canberra, approached the government and asked what they could do.Yes, government members were aware that there was a fundraiser being organised. It was not the government's fundraiser; it was a fundraiser that was, in fact, managed by a group of interested people. I am just trying to think of the various people. There were people from Prime Television; there was Richard Tindale from the zoo. A number of people formed a committee and held committee meetings which I attended; not as an official, purely as a liaison or connection of information.
It was effectively an offer made by people, particularly Ms Kelly, who had direct interests in Canberra and wanted to do something. That was an offer that the government, quite obviously, would take up. I haven't got the records, but we were assured that everybody that appeared at or was involved in that fundraiser gave of their services for free. There may have been some costs associated with one or two of the artists in terms of their equipment. I think arrangements were made for complimentary plane fares, for virtually everything. It was really just people doing Canberra a favour.
I would be very, very concerned if there is even a hint that there was some form of conspiracy associated with the fundraiser. It was a very generous contribution by so many people to benefit Canberra.
MR SPEAKER
: Mrs Cross, supplementary question?MRS CROSS
: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister what date was Mr Markson given for the collection and sign-off on the money, pledges and donations raised by that appeal; and are there still moneys yet to be retrieved by the government?
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