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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 9 Hansard (7 September) . . Page.. 2997 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

The Business Gateway is also available through the 1800 244 650 telephone service that is provided by trained operators. The operators receive business-related calls on the 1800 number and either provide the information requested or refer the clients to an appropriate agent or organisation.

The Business Gateway operators do no redirect potential businesses to the chamber of commerce unless they are the appropriate referral for the particular inquiry.

The ACT government is currently assessing three tenders for the provision of a new business advisory service. The outcome of this tender process will be known in early October. This service will replace the current Links to Business and the business mentoring programs which conclude at the end of December this year. The new business advisory service will start from 1 January 2000. In the meantime, clients requiring business advice will be referred to Links to Business and peak bodies such as the ACT Chamber of Commerce and Industry where appropriate.

MR MOORE: I had questions on the same issue from Mr Hargreaves on Tuesday and Mr Stanhope yesterday. The questions related to the executive search firm Morgan and Banks. Mr Hargreaves asked:

Mr Hargreaves, that assertion is incorrect. At present Morgan and Banks has charged $23,940 for its professional fee. In addition, media and Internet advertising costs have totalled $11,150, I am informed. The recruitment process for this position is yet to be finalised-

Mr Quinlan: So it is only $35,000 or $36,000. You were way out.

MR MOORE: I am glad you mentioned that, Mr Quinlan. Mr Quinlan interjects, "It is only $35,000. You were way out." Mr Hargreaves, you asserted $60,000.

Mr Hargreaves: No, I did not assert anything.

MR MOORE: You asked:

No, that assertion is incorrect. The recruitment process for the position is yet to be-

Mr Hargreaves: It was not $40,000; it was $33,000.

MR MOORE: No, $60,000. Forty plus 20 makes 60. So you are out by about 100 per cent. The recruitment process for the position is yet to be finalised, and a final account has not been issued.

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