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Libs swoop on treasurer over undisclosed $100m transfer

The ACT Legislative Assembly. Photo: Paul Costigan

The Canberra Liberals have used Question Time to press the ACT Government over an undisclosed $100 million funding transfer and broader concerns about financial management and procurement practices.

Opposition members questioned Chief Minister Andrew Barr about comments suggesting project budgets are signalled to industry in advance, raising concerns about procurement integrity following issues with the Fitzroy Pavilion upgrade at EPIC.

The chief minister did not reject the claim and took the questions on notice.

Shadow Treasurer Ed Cocks also asked Treasurer Chris Steel and Finance Minister Rachel Steven-Smith about significant contract overruns, including payments exceeding original contract values for IT and insurance services, and whether appropriate variations and oversight processes were followed.

Both ministers took the questions on notice.

The treasurer was further asked whether reporting obligations under the Financial Management Act were met in relation to an undisclosed $100 million funding transfer. That question was also taken on notice.

Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton said Canberrans “deserve confidence that public money is being managed responsibly”.

“Across multiple directorates, we are seeing a pattern of poor administration, weak oversight and a lack of transparency,” Mr Parton said.

Following Question Time, the Fitzroy Pavilion contract was removed from the ACT Contracts Register.

The Assembly later passed a motion calling for an inquiry into the alleged breaches.

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