Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee will today move a motion of no-confidence in Minister for Skills Chris Steel for failing to prevent the gross misuse of taxpayers’ funds.

Ms Lee said it is astounding the minister admitted in the Legislative Assembly yesterday that he knew CIT was involved in a series of questionable procurements as early as March last year.

“Since the minister raised these procurement issues with CIT 15 months ago, a further two contracts worth a combined $5.5 million have been awarded to the same individual,” Ms Lee said.

“It is incomprehensible how and why the minister took no decisive action after becoming aware of these significant procurement issues, allowing two more contracts to be awarded.

“The minister must be upfront with the public about what he knew, when he knew it and how more questionable contracts have been allowed to continue under his watch over the last 15 months.

“Canberra taxpayers should be rightly outraged that at least $8.87 million has been awarded by CIT for one person to effectively provide mentoring to the CEO.

“This minister has failed to act, failed to be transparent and has failed in his duty as Minister for Skills.

“It is clear there is a culture of secrecy within this ACT Labor-Greens government. There is no excuse for this gross failure of duty. If the Minister does not resign, the Chief Minister must sack him,” Ms Lee concluded.