Page 3871 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2013
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Answers to questions
Legislative Assembly—contractor
(Question No 145)
Dr Bourke asked the Speaker, upon notice, on 17 September 2013:
(1) In relation to the Speaker’s answers to question on notice No. 135, did the Speaker state in answer to part (5) that she was unable to answer what work the “contractor, contracted by the Canberra Liberals” was performing in the Speaker’s office; if so, how could she ensure the arrangement complied with the Members’ Code of Conduct, including part (11), and that the resources of the Speaker’s office were “only used for legitimate parliamentary and electorate purposes”.
(2) Who arranged for the contractor to use the Speaker’s office and was it with the authority of an MLA; if so, which MLA.
(3) Did the person who arranged for the contractor to use the Speaker’s office inform the Speaker of the work the contractor was performing; if so, what did they advise the Speaker that the work entailed.
(4) Who ensured the contractor using the Speaker’s office was engaged in compliance with the “Procedures to engage consultants/contractors” outlined in the Legislative Assembly Members’ Guide for the Eighth Assembly (pp 87-90).
(5) Who ensured the use of the Speaker’s office by the “contractor, contracted by the Canberra Liberals” was in compliance with the provision of “Office Accommodation and Facilities” outlined in the Legislative Assembly Members’ Guide for the Eighth Assembly (p 96).
(6) Who sought advice from the Corporate Services Office or the Clerk or the Assembly’s Ethics and Integrity Advisor on the arrangement for the contractor to use the Speaker’s office and was it approved by any or all of them.
(7) Was the contractor issued with a security pass for the Legislative Assembly; if not, why not.
(8) Over what period did the contractor work in the Speaker’s office.
Madam Speaker: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) As the staff member was contracted by the Leader of the Opposition and I was not privy to the terms of that contract, I felt unable to answer questions about the terms of the contract. However, for the Member’s information; to set the record straight; and to avoid any further misunderstanding, I am advised the contract was made in accordance with the usual process and with the usual checks and balances that cover all contracts to employ staff under the Legislative Assembly Members’ Staff Act, including sign off from the Clerk before a contract was executed, to ensure the purpose was appropriate. I am advised the staff member was engaged for a period of three weeks to prepare electorate stationery and related material for Opposition MLAs, for example letterheads, “with compliments” slips, and newsletter templates and that the material complied with discretionary office allowance guidelines. I am
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