Chief MinisterMichael Gunner has today released the Department of Trade, Business andInnovations (DTBIs) findings regarding the Darwin Turf Clubs awarding of aconstruction contract to Jaytex Constructions.
These findings,as well as the independent probity audit conducted by accounting firm MooreStephens, indicate that the Turf Clubs procurement process was independent andfair to all tenderers.
The Governmenthas accepted that while the procurement process has been technically adheredto, the outcome of the Turf Clubs tender is not in line with publicexpectation about how public money should be tendered.
The ChiefMinister has instructed that there be an ongoing process to manage allpotential conflicts during construction. Darwin Turf Club has complied withthis instruction.
The ChiefMinister has also directed the following significant changes be made to capitalgrant agreements between the Government and non-government organisations.
Thesechanges to capital grants tendering are:
- TheTerritory Government will have the right to cease the tender process if thereis a perceived or actual conflict of interest
- Individualswho have decision making power or who are able to influence the operations ofan incorporated association cannot directly benefit from the awarding of atender
- Priorto the tender being awarded, the NT Government will have the right to approveor not approve the winning contractor or sub-contractor
As stated byChief Minister Michael Gunner:
Territorianshave right to expect taxpayers funding is tendered fairly and transparently.
The NTGovernments own procurement process, is an open and fair process that is alsosubject to the Territorys strict buy local rules.
We have alsoappointed a Buy Local advocate to independently oversee the tendering processto ensure we are getting value for the Territory.
These changesto the capital grants rules and procurement processes, will ensure thatTerritorians can have faith that their money is being tendered fairly andwithout conflict.
