Page 1347 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 9 April 2013
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MS GALLAGHER: I can only speak as a shareholder of ACTEW. We are not the shareholders of ActewAGL. That is a joint venture arrangement between ActewAGL and Jemena. In relation to ACTEW, which I can speak of, at annual general meetings the shareholders would be briefed on things such as the donations, the community contributions arm of ACTEW’s work. I have to say, and I think the managing director said on radio, that I have spoken positively about this.
In relation to issues of corporate hospitality, the shareholders have sought advice and review on the extent of the hospitality and an assurance that that hospitality is in line with industry benchmarks and industry practice.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Chief Minister, would you provide the response to that information that the shareholders sought about corporate hospitality? Also, have the shareholders asked ACTEW to conduct a review into expenditure on hospitality and have the shareholders prepared and/or approved the terms of reference for that request?
MS GALLAGHER: The review has not been completed. We have a special general meeting next week and the review is one of the issues that is on the agenda. So at this point in time I cannot answer that part of the question. I am sorry; I have lost track of what your subsequent questions were. In short, we have not got the review. Once we do have an understanding of it, further decisions if necessary can be taken. But at the moment we have not got that.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Seselja.
MR SESELJA: Minister, given that ACTEW, a 100 per cent territory-owned corporation, is a 50 per cent shareholder of ActewAGL, what steps have you taken to ensure ActewAGL does not overspend on corporate hospitality and what information have you sought about this expenditure?
MS GALLAGHER: The shareholders have received a letter from the Chief Executive Officer of ActewAGL following our request for a review into ACTEW. I am just trying to recall the letter—it was some months ago—but it provided information to the shareholders around the performance of ActewAGL. I think we should all acknowledge that the joint venture established by the previous Liberal government has been very successful. I think there would not be anyone in this place who does not agree with that. In relation to other aspects of ActewAGL, I would probably want to review the letter that I received from Mr Costello, but it was very much in line with industry standards.
Mr Coe: On a point of order, in accordance with standing order—I am just trying to remember exactly—
Mr Smyth: 213.
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