Page 3950 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 15 Sept 2009

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MR SPEAKER: Ms Burch?

MS BURCH: Yes.

Mr Smyth: Under your rules, Mr Speaker, members rising have to say “supplementary question”. Is Ms Burch asking a new question or are we having a fourth supplementary?

MS BURCH: Supplementary question, Mr Speaker.

MR SPEAKER: Ms Burch did catch my eye before, Mr Smyth.

Mr Smyth: I raise the point, though: are we abiding by the rules in that members rising for a supplementary have to ask? Otherwise it is confusing. She may well be leading to a new question.

MR SPEAKER: The point is well made. We will bear that in mind as we go forward.

MS BURCH: Thank you. I have a supplementary question for the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer tell what has been the voting shareholders’ reaction to the blow-out in the cost of the Cotter Dam?

MS GALLAGHER: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank Ms Burch for the supplementary. The voting shareholders’ response—

Opposition members interjecting—

MR SPEAKER: Order! Let us hear from the Treasurer.

MS GALLAGHER: I am glad the opposition think this is a really funny subject, water security for the ACT.

Mr Hanson: No. Your cost blow-out is the point we are talking about, Katy.

MS GALLAGHER: Okay.

MR SPEAKER: Order! Let us hear from the Treasurer.

MS GALLAGHER: The usual antic from the opposition is just to laugh your way through everyone else’s questions in question time.

The voting shareholders’ response to the final briefing from Actew post their board’s consideration of the final cost being determined was one of concern and one where we sought assurances from Actew that these were the final costs for the dam. We had a very thorough briefing with them, including through the cabinet process, where we were able to question the chair and managing director of Actew.

Mr Hanson: These are the final filing costs?

MS GALLAGHER: I know I should not respond to interjections, but the previous costs—and I think this is pretty well established except, obviously, for the


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