❓ Mr. Buswell questions the potential use of taxpayer funds for the 140 William Street development, alleging a conflict of interest due to CFMEU involvement and Kevin Reynolds' influence. The Minister denies any impropriety, defending the tender process.
AnsweredQoN 673Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
140 WILLIAM STREET - TAXPAYERS’ FUNDS
I begin by acknowledging the presence in the gallery today of four of the student counsellors from Georgiana Molloy Anglican School, which is located in Busselton and is in the electorate of the member for Capel, and the deputy principal, Mr Ted Kosicki, a St Kilda tragic. I feel sorry for him too, Premier. As the minister is no doubt aware, Leighton Constructions’ involvement in the Evolution Consortium’s 140 William Street development has been downgraded to that of a non-equity partner and it now appears that union-friendly Melbourne builder Probuild is likely to get the job. (1) Is it now the case that taxpayers’ funds will be used to underwrite a project that will employ Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union members - one of the few projects in Perth that will actually employ CFMEU members - which funds will flow through as membership dues for the CFMEU and, ultimately, donations to the Labor Party? (2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN
I begin by acknowledging the presence in the gallery today of four of the student counsellors from Georgiana Molloy Anglican School, which is located in Busselton and is in the electorate of the member for Capel, and the deputy principal, Mr Ted Kosicki, a St Kilda tragic. I feel sorry for him too, Premier. As the minister is no doubt aware, Leighton Constructions’ involvement in the Evolution Consortium’s 140 William Street development has been downgraded to that of a non-equity partner and it now appears that union-friendly Melbourne builder Probuild is likely to get the job. (1) Is it now the case that taxpayers’ funds will be used to underwrite a project that will employ Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union members - one of the few projects in Perth that will actually employ CFMEU members - which funds will flow through as membership dues for the CFMEU and, ultimately, donations to the Labor Party? (2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
As the minister is no doubt aware, Leighton Constructions’ involvement in the Evolution Consortium’s 140 William Street development has been downgraded to that of a non-equity partner and it now appears that union-friendly Melbourne builder Probuild is likely to get the job. (1) Is it now the case that taxpayers’ funds will be used to underwrite a project that will employ Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union members - one of the few projects in Perth that will actually employ CFMEU members - which funds will flow through as membership dues for the CFMEU and, ultimately, donations to the Labor Party? (2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
(1) Is it now the case that taxpayers’ funds will be used to underwrite a project that will employ Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union members - one of the few projects in Perth that will actually employ CFMEU members - which funds will flow through as membership dues for the CFMEU and, ultimately, donations to the Labor Party? (2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
(2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
(1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
As the minister is no doubt aware, Leighton Constructions’ involvement in the Evolution Consortium’s 140 William Street development has been downgraded to that of a non-equity partner and it now appears that union-friendly Melbourne builder Probuild is likely to get the job. (1) Is it now the case that taxpayers’ funds will be used to underwrite a project that will employ Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union members - one of the few projects in Perth that will actually employ CFMEU members - which funds will flow through as membership dues for the CFMEU and, ultimately, donations to the Labor Party? (2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
(1) Is it now the case that taxpayers’ funds will be used to underwrite a project that will employ Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union members - one of the few projects in Perth that will actually employ CFMEU members - which funds will flow through as membership dues for the CFMEU and, ultimately, donations to the Labor Party? (2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
(2) Given this cosy arrangement, how can the minister expect the public of Western Australia to believe her comments that Kevin Reynolds played no role in the awarding of the 140 William Street site to Cbus? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
(1)-(2) Is the member suggesting that we should not allow Cbus to tender for work in WA? Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : I want to know the involvement of Kevin Reynolds in this decision. He met with the minister. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The only evidence is the fact that Cbus has superannuation in it from union members. Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : How many are given access to ministers? Lots. The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
The SPEAKER : Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I call you to order for the last time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : The fundamental problem that this member has is that we have awarded a tender to Cbus, which it has won in a fair and free tender process. His concern seems to be that because this organisation is a superannuation fund and some of the members of that superannuation fund happen to be CFMEU members, ipso facto that is a suspect arrangement. I do not even begin to understand how the member can assert that. The logical conclusion of what the member is saying is that we should not at any stage allow Cbus to participate in a tender process. Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : We never said that. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : What is the member’s problem? If that is not the case, what is the problem with Cbus participating in this tender? Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Mr T. Buswell : Because of the involvement with Kevin Reynolds, when he met with the minister and perhaps other ministers and members in bringing the project to fruition. It is a very simple question. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I have made it clear to the member that he had no involvement. I have also made it very clear to the member that we meet the principals of major construction companies all the time. I meet with the Mirvac Fini people. Mirvac Fini employs CFMEU members. Why does the opposition not ask why the government is giving planning approval to Mirvac Fini to develop six 20-storey towers at Burswood? All the employees of Mirvac Fini are CFMEU members. However, we do not hear a complaint about that. The government awards contracts to Leighton Constructions, which is hardly a friend of the government, but it employs CFMEU members. We do not hear any complaints about that. The government awards contracts to Multiplex, which also employs CFMEU members. If the government were to bar any company that engaged CFMEU members, it would not have very many tenderers. It would also be highly unfair. I have made it very clear that a steering group was established consisting of very senior public servants, overseen by a probity auditor. The very clear recommendation that came to the Minister for Housing and Works and me was that Cbus was the preferred proponent. The government acted on that recommendation. The government will continue not to discriminate against companies that may hold superannuation funds from people who happen to be members of unions.
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