THE Canberra Liberals have criticised a decision by the CIT board to conduct an internal review into the controversial $5 million CIT contract.
“It’s an internal review,” Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee said today (June 16).
“We know there is fear amongst CIT staff about speaking up so we don’t know how effective or independent an internal review will be.”
Ms Lee’s comments follow reports that the CIT board will undertake an independent review of the nearly $5 million contract awarded to Think Garden, a company run by “complexity and systems thinker” Patrick Hollingworth.
Although supportive of a review, Ms Lee said a review must cover all the contracts awarded to the one contractor, have a firm time frame, and findings from the review be published.
“They must publish the terms of reference as soon as possible, and include an opportunity for staff to speak up and be provided protections,” Ms Lee said.
“It must also have a firm time frame, the public has a right to know this issue is being taken seriously and that those answers will be published in full.”
Last week, the Canberra Liberals called into question $8.87 million worth of “unusual” contracts awarded by CIT to the one consultancy company.
“It’s now been over a week since this information has come to light and the response from Chris Steel, and Andrew Barr, has been grossly inadequate,” Ms Lee.
“Not only is there no explanation as to what the millions of taxpayer funds have been used for, but we also found out that Mr Steel knew about these contracts, and asked questions about them in March last year, and yet, under his watch further contracts worth millions were signed.”
Ms Lee also revealed that Chief Minister Andrew Barr was directly warned about the contracts in June 2019.
“Both the minister and the chief minister have gone into hiding, we have had no response as to what they knew, and despite the warnings, why further contracts worth millions were signed under their watch,” Ms Lee said.
“This is a true test for this government on whether they will be able to walk the walk in relation to integrity, transparency, accountability and probity.”
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