Page 3856 - Week 12 - Thursday, 23 November 2006
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the services of companies, whether for the purchase of cars or for their maintenance and upkeep, in the location in which they operate. That is the advice that I have. I have no reason to dispute that advice. Of course, it is my fervent hope that the sale of Rhodium will not disadvantage ACT businesses.
Having said that, the ACT has instituted a detailed scoping study, which has reported quite categorically that there are very good reasons for the ACT government selling Rhodium. As I have indicated in relation to that, at this stage only around 25 per cent of Rhodium’s fleet leasing business involves the ACT fleet. As a result of expansion by Rhodium into the private sector, in the order of 75 per cent of its work or its client group is within the private sector. Certainly we must ask, particularly in the context of the increased risk that represents commercially, whether or not a government such as ours is appropriately engaged in a car or fleet business. The answer to that is almost certainly no. That is my view and the view of Treasury, and I am sure that it is the view that Mr Mulcahy will continue to accept, having previously expressed it.
If we accept the basic position in relation to Rhodium and its future, let me say that there may be some consequential impacts on certain ACT businesses. If there are, I regret that, but in the context of the overarching policy position I believe that the decision to sell Rhodium is sound. In a reasonably short time, we will be proceeding to an open tender process to achieve that result.
MR SPEAKER: Do you have a supplementary question, Mr Mulcahy?
MR MULCAHY: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you for that reply, Chief Minister. Do you intend to make it a contractual condition in the sale of Rhodium that the purchaser sources vehicles from ACT motor dealers?
MR STANHOPE: That is not my understanding, but I would not wish to be definitive on it. I would prefer to go back and seek further advice on the sorts of contractual conditions that the ACT government would be seeking to impose, but I do not believe that that will be one of them. I will confirm that through further advice from Treasury, and I will provide that information to members.
At this stage, let me offer an invitation to any member who may be interested in a briefing from Treasury officials in relation to the proposed sale of Rhodium. This is a matter of some moment—the sale of an ACT government asset. I would wish any members interested in a briefing to avail themselves of the opportunity for one. Treasury officials would be more than happy to give a full and detailed briefing on all aspects of the proposed sale to any member who wishes it.
Women—White Ribbon Day
MR GENTLEMAN: My question is to the Deputy Chief Minister in her capacity as Minister for Women. Minister, this Saturday is White Ribbon Day. Could you inform the Assembly of the purpose of White Ribbon Day and the events taking place in Canberra?
MS GALLAGHER: I thank Mr Gentleman for the question and his commitment to White Ribbon Day. All male Labor MLAs are white ribbon ambassadors. All are
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