Page 2093 - Week 06 - Thursday, 8 June 2017
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standards of probity and accountability. Little information regarding the parameters of the contract has made its way into the public domain. This is symptomatic of the current government, which consistently acts against the principles of open government they claim to represent.
The opposition is hopeful that local businesses will benefit by enabling non-ActewAGL contractors to undertake work for the territory. It is our intention to closely scrutinise how the contract for the streetlight network is carried out. We will be looking to ensure that there is integrity in the procurement process and value for money delivered through the contractual period.
MS LE COUTEUR (Murrumbidgee) (11.07): I rise to support this bill. I am advised that the bill is part of the government’s proposal to change the contracting-out arrangements for streetlights to a long-term arrangement. The aspect of that process the Greens are most interested in is the potential for energy efficiency savings.
I understand that, in fact, streetlights currently make up 25 per cent of the ACT government’s total electricity use. While of course this will soon be 100 per cent renewable electricity, there is absolutely no point wasting electricity, renewable or otherwise. I would also suggest in this process that the contract could look at minimising waste of materials as well as waste of energy.
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism and Major Events) (11.08), in reply: I thank members for their brief contributions this morning and for their support of the Utilities (Streetlight Network) Legislation Amendment Bill.
Over the past few years the government has undertaken a range of activities to improve the management of the territory’s streetlight network. This bill represents a vital component of the government’s commitment to overhaul the management of that network by improving the regulatory framework in place for the ongoing management of the network.
I am pleased to inform the Assembly this morning that the government is now in the final stages of its procurement process for a new streetlight management contract that will encompass a complete management solution for the territory’s network. The shortlisted proponents are undertaking a detailed study of the network before providing final offers to the government. The commencement of the new contract is expected in the second half of 2017.
The successful proponent from this process will be responsible over the period of the contract for the continued operation and maintenance of the network, the implementation of a strategic energy efficiency upgrade to LED technology and the establishment of a flexible smart-city backbone.
Madam Assistant Speaker, this bill introduces important amendments to strengthen and improve the regulatory framework in which streetlight operations occur in the territory. The bill complements the existing regulatory framework and seeks to clarify
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