Page 254 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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aware that one of the major trucking companies involved in the light rail project is owned and operated by an outlaw motorcycle gang. You at the time refused to answer that call. So I will ask: is that claim true? Is one of the companies involved in the light rail project owned or operated by or connected to an outlaw motorcycle gang?
MR BARR: I do not believe so, no.
MR HANSON: Minister, what steps have you taken to ensure that no supplier, contractor or participant on the light project has any links to outlaw motorcycle gangs, given the allegation that was made to you on the radio?
MR BARR: Yes, following that allegation there was certainly a degree of interest, and I believe media interest at the time, and that has not demonstrated or developed any basis for that claim.
MISS C BURCH: Chief Minister, what steps have been taken to ensure that no supplier, contractor or participant in any government contract has any links to outlaw motorcycle gangs?
MR BARR: The recent reforms to procurement ensure that only those who operate with the highest ethical standards are able to conduct business with the ACT government. I would observe that it was those opposite who sought to oppose this particular reform, but if those opposite are so concerned about this matter—that anyone who might ride a motorcycle cannot be on the government payroll, if that is the direction that we are going in—perhaps the shadow Attorney-General, the interjector in chief on that side of the chamber, might want to reflect upon his position.
In all seriousness, random allegations that are made on talkback radio—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR BARR: Random allegations that are made on talkback radio, often through anonymous sources, SMSs, tweets and the like, which appear to be the new—
Mr Parton: What are you saying about talkback radio?
MR BARR: It is such a fine form of broadcasting, isn’t it, Mr Parton? It brings out the best in the broadcaster and in the community! It is never designed to inflame or to be provocative! It is not about facts; it is mostly about entertainment.
Arts—Kingston arts precinct
MR PARTON: My question is to the Minister for Arts and Community Events. Minister, what progress has been made on the plan to develop the Kingston arts precinct since the tender was issued in February 2017?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I will take this as Minister for Urban Renewal as the Kingston arts precinct sits within the urban renewal portfolio. As we know, the Kingston arts precinct forms part of stage 5 of the Kingston foreshore estate project
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