Page 5682 - Week 15 - Thursday, 10 December 2009
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS GALLAGHER: This is going to be a question time on the consolidated annual financial report for the territory, I presume. I have this report in front of me. I have four minutes to check it. In the interests of members’ time, I will take that on notice. I am sure that is correct but I will take it on notice and I will probably come back, if I get the chance to find it in the consolidated report.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Seselja, a supplementary question?
MR SESELJA: Treasurer, why has not this loan been refinanced to a lower interest rate?
MS GALLAGHER: I will take that question on notice. Knowing how Treasury always look for the most financially responsible way to pay off our debts, I know there will be a legitimate reason for that. I am happy to inform the Assembly what that is.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, a supplementary?
MR SMYTH: Treasurer, you might also take this on notice: how much money would the government save if it were to refinance this loan at the current market interest rate?
MS GALLAGHER: I do not have my calculator here in front of me to do that quick number, but I imagine there is a very good reason why we are paying interest. I have not confirmed that we are paying interest at that rate, but, if we are, I have no doubt that there is a reason why. I think probably the question, then, is hypothetical and not worth answering.
Gaming—sale of Labor clubs
MR SMYTH: My question is to the Minister for Gaming and Racing. Minister, the ACT gaming and racing commission is conducting an inquiry into the deal to sell the ACT Labor Club. In evidence given to the public accounts committee on 26 November this year, the commission said that there was one conflict of interest matter relating to a member of the commission. Minister, is this conflict of interest matter being dealt with satisfactorily as far as you are concerned?
MR BARR: I understand that this matter was raised and discussed at the annual report hearings and that the commissioner provided a quite adequate response to a line of questioning from Mr Smyth.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, a supplementary question?
MR SMYTH: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, are you aware of any other person or persons who may have a conflict of interest in relation to the inquiry being conducted by the commission?
MR BARR: No, I am not aware of any other conflicts of interest.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video