Page 1907 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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Because the nature of those questions has demonstrated some misunderstandings about those processes and the requirements of the relevant legislation, I thought it appropriate to advise the Assembly in some detail of the Government's approach to the matter.
The broad principles which have dictated the adoption by the Government of the procedures are as follows:
The Government is determined to ensure that the matter is handled with absolute probity. We have adopted mechanisms which provide checks and balances, independent advice and supervision.
Due to the unique nature and size of the project, the Government has decided that all but the final decision will be taken at arm's length from Ministers. This means that decisions made to exclude submissions on experience, ability, financial and design criteria will not involve Ministers. Clearly, Ministers will not be involved in any way with the statutory processes to be undertaken by the Casino Surveillance Authority.
No Minister in the Government will therefore have access to any information about the number or identity of those companies making expressions of interest for the project, nor the substance of any submissions, until the completion of all administrative and legal processes leading to a short-listing of applicants.
Initial analysis of expressions of interest will be undertaken solely on the basis of financial capacity, a proven track record in projects of this size and nature, as well as the experience and nomination of key personnel.
Stage II will involve an analysis of detailed design and financial submissions undertaken by separate independent committees of experts in financial and design matters respectively. These committees will be chaired by eminent persons from the private sector.
Following that, in accordance with the provisions of the Casino Control Act 1988, the Casino Surveillance Authority will then investigate exhaustively the suitability of all casino operators and developers who are short-listed on financial and design criteria.
A central statutory function of the authority is to inquire into and make recommendations to the Minister on the suitability of proposed developers and operators. The Government must have regard to any authority
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