Page 4545 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 6 December 1994
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Madam Speaker, I believe that the local business community does know that there is a sound economic base and sound financial management by the Government in the Territory. They also understand - unfortunately, Mrs Carnell does not - that the Labor Government has managed the task of transition to State-type funding levels without the kind of disruption that the Liberal-style budget cuts would imply. The business community understands that our budget is in balance; that we are not resorting to the Bankcard mentality, like Mrs Carnell; and that we have achieved a AAA credit rating. I believe that what does concern the business community is the kind of knee-jerk, confused and irresponsible policy-making that was exhibited last week by the Liberals opposite.
Garbage Collection Service - Contracts
MR STEFANIAK: My question is directed to the Minister for Urban Services. Is it true that, when the initial tender documents were issued for the new ACT garbage contracts, companies tendered on the basis that they would have to purchase their own trucks and equipment? Minister, is that a requirement of the tender? If so, why has the ACT Government apparently financed the purchase of 16 garbage trucks and other equipment on behalf of Thiess Pty Ltd, the successful tenderer? Were other contractors permitted to retender under those new requirements?
MR LAMONT: It is my understanding that the purchase of those vehicles and the funding of the contract are consistent with the tender document.
MR STEFANIAK: I have a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. Minister, did the Government decide to purchase those vehicles in an attempt to avoid the payment of sales tax?
MR LAMONT: Madam Speaker, I am advised that the purchase of those vehicles is consistent with the provisions of the tender document.
Garbage Collection Service - Operators
MS ELLIS: Madam Speaker, my question is also to the Deputy Chief Minister in his capacity as Minister for Urban Services. Can the Minister comment on press reports on the long hours of operation of the garbage services in recent days?
MR LAMONT: I thank the member for her question. Madam Speaker, as you would be aware, the introduction of the comprehensive recycling system is the most radical change to garbage collection and waste collection systems in the history of the ACT. The previous collection system, which has been in place since the foundation of the ACT virtually, has had some 80 years to bed itself in and to ensure that the procedures and the systems that are operating are well oiled. Substantial work has been undertaken over
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