In a Budget Estimates hearing today, the ACT Auditor-General provided strong evidence of the Labor-Greens Government’s deficiencies in procurement expertise and governance.

In response to questions asked by Shadow Attorney-General, Peter Cain, the ACT Auditor-General ‘expressed concern about the level of governance’ and ‘highlighted deficiencies’ of the legislation that was found to be inadequate in meeting good procurement outcomes.

“Multiple contracts suggest that hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars have already been wasted. That is only the tip of the iceberg,” Mr Cain said.

“There are now six reports tabled to the Assembly in procurement detailing the Special Minister of State and the Labor-Greens government’s mishandling of procurement.”

“The Auditor-General is expected to deliver more reports over the next 12 months, including an investigation into the loss of $76 million on a failed project to deliver a HR and payroll system, HRIMS.”

“It is evident the government is ignoring the Auditor-General’s advice, and the socio-economic health of Canberra is suffering greatly as a consequence.”

“Earlier this week, it was reported the CIT’s ‘systems thinker’ has launched an almost $4 million civil lawsuit against the government for cancelling the contracts.”

“Reform could not come more urgently, and the Special Minister of State, Chris Steel, has already demonstrated he is not the right person for the task.”

“The writing is on the wall for the Special Minister of State, and he needs to resign,” Mr Cain concluded