Opposition MP Board questions the Health Minister on the delay in signing a building contract for Rockingham-Kwinana District Hospital upgrade, despite a previous government pledge. The Minister deflects, accusing the opposition of being influenced by a lobbyist and citing budget processes.

AnsweredQoN 632Legislative Assembly
Asked
15 April 2003
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer the minister to the Treasurer’s press release dated 16 May 2002 that states that the Government has pledged an upgrade of facilities at Rockingham-Kwinana District Hospital. (1) Why has the minister not signed off on the building contract for this upgrade, which was awarded to BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd four months ago? (2) When does the minister intend to sign off on the contract, which has been awaiting his approval for two months, and allow work to commence on this much-needed upgrade at Rockingham-Kwinana District Hospital? As the minister knows, it is a hospital that is overburdened and struggling to deal with the pressures of patient numbers. Mr R.C. KUCERA

AnswerView source ↗

(1)-(2) I am pleased to hear that BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd’s lobbyist, Mr Kierath, is working very well. He obviously has the ear of the Opposition. I will not enter into discussions about contracts that are out for tender. The matters the Treasurer was talking about relate to the health budget, which will be released in due course, as is the tradition of this Parliament. Mr C.J. Barnett: It has passed that stage.
(1) Why has the minister not signed off on the building contract for this upgrade, which was awarded to BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd four months ago? (2) When does the minister intend to sign off on the contract, which has been awaiting his approval for two months, and allow work to commence on this much-needed upgrade at Rockingham-Kwinana District Hospital? As the minister knows, it is a hospital that is overburdened and struggling to deal with the pressures of patient numbers. Mr R.C. KUCERA replied: (1)-(2) I am pleased to hear that BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd’s lobbyist, Mr Kierath, is working very well. He obviously has the ear of the Opposition. I will not enter into discussions about contracts that are out for tender. The matters the Treasurer was talking about relate to the health budget, which will be released in due course, as is the tradition of this Parliament. Mr C.J. Barnett: It has passed that stage.
(2) When does the minister intend to sign off on the contract, which has been awaiting his approval for two months, and allow work to commence on this much-needed upgrade at Rockingham-Kwinana District Hospital? As the minister knows, it is a hospital that is overburdened and struggling to deal with the pressures of patient numbers. Mr R.C. KUCERA replied: (1)-(2) I am pleased to hear that BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd’s lobbyist, Mr Kierath, is working very well. He obviously has the ear of the Opposition. I will not enter into discussions about contracts that are out for tender. The matters the Treasurer was talking about relate to the health budget, which will be released in due course, as is the tradition of this Parliament. Mr C.J. Barnett: It has passed that stage.
Mr R.C. KUCERA replied: (1)-(2) I am pleased to hear that BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd’s lobbyist, Mr Kierath, is working very well. He obviously has the ear of the Opposition. I will not enter into discussions about contracts that are out for tender. The matters the Treasurer was talking about relate to the health budget, which will be released in due course, as is the tradition of this Parliament. Mr C.J. Barnett: It has passed that stage.
(1)-(2) I am pleased to hear that BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd’s lobbyist, Mr Kierath, is working very well. He obviously has the ear of the Opposition. I will not enter into discussions about contracts that are out for tender. The matters the Treasurer was talking about relate to the health budget, which will be released in due course, as is the tradition of this Parliament. Mr C.J. Barnett: It has passed that stage.
Mr C.J. Barnett: It has passed that stage.

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