Page 2858 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 24 June 2009
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MR STANHOPE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Ms Bresnan, Roads ACT did not just make up the dates. These were not wild expectations; they had reasonable expectations that the times that they had set would be met. The reason why the time lines and the dates announced were not met was not through a lack of attention, desire or action; there were issues that, at the end of the day, in the main, were relating to the availability of appropriate fill. Roads ACT’s expectations were not met, essentially through, I believe, access to—
Members interjecting—
MR STANHOPE: Ms Bresnan, all I can say is that my advice is yes, but you will understand that I am in the hands of my officials in relation to those dates. I do not intend to get out there with a pick and shovel myself, but I will do everything that I can to ensure that the bridge is repaired as quickly as we can.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary question?
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, why did ACT roads close the road prior to undertaking the geotechnical surveys that would have revealed that the foundation designs for the bridge would need to be revised?
MR STANHOPE: Ms Bresnan, I honestly do not know. I will ask Mr Gill. I have the greatest faith in Roads ACT, and I have the greatest faith in Tony Gill. When I reflect on the calibre and quality of ACT public servants, Tony Gill is one of those public servants that comes to my mind who is an exemplar of public service—utterly professional, profoundly professional, always seeking to carry out his duties—
Members interjecting—
MR STANHOPE: Ms Bresnan, I have utter faith in Tony Gill, the head of Roads ACT, and in Roads ACT. They are a thoroughly professional organisation. I simply do not know what the sequence of decision making was, but I am more than happy to ask Mr Gill for an explanation of the decision-making time line, the basis of the decisions that were made and the time line that they utilised.
Hospitals—Calvary Public Hospital
MR HANSON: My question is directed to the Minister for Health and is in relation to the proposal to purchase Calvary hospital. Minister, during question time on Thursday of last week, when asked about any commitments or proposals made by the government by 7 October 2008, you stated:
There had been no commitments made … The only commitment that was made was to continue discussions.
Minister, can you advise the Assembly whether any proposals were on the table that approached or referred to a final deal, what they were and when they were made?
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