❓ Opposition questions the Energy Minister about a letter congratulating ABB Australia, despite them not winning a contract. Minister defends the process, citing confidentiality and cost discrepancies, leading to heated exchanges.
AnsweredQoN 816Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ABB AUSTRALIA LTD — MINISTER FOR ENERGY'S
LETTER
816. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Minister for
Energy:
I have a supplementary question.
Will the minister table the relevant tenders to back up what he indicated to
the house just now; and was he aware when he wrote this letter congratulating
ABB Australia on its activities and its prime plant operating that it was not
going to successfully receive that contract?
Mr
C.J. Barnett : Who gave you the letter?
Mr
M. McGOWAN : It is published on their website.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Only one speaker. Minister for Energy, a quick answer.
LETTER
816. Mr M. McGOWAN to the Minister for
Energy:
I have a supplementary question.
Will the minister table the relevant tenders to back up what he indicated to
the house just now; and was he aware when he wrote this letter congratulating
ABB Australia on its activities and its prime plant operating that it was not
going to successfully receive that contract?
Mr
C.J. Barnett : Who gave you the letter?
Mr
M. McGOWAN : It is published on their website.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Only one speaker. Minister for Energy, a quick answer.
AnswerView source ↗
Western Power is a statutory
corporation, and it decides the tenders. It keeps the tenders confidential.
Mr M. McGowan : I never
believe your facts.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : I do
not believe a thing the Leader of the Opposition says. Who would believe the
Leader of the Opposition? It is true that ABB Australia did not win that
contract, and as a result of that 56 people will lose their jobs. It is true
that the company built a plant in Vietnam, and it is true that its bid was $80 million
over five years, or 40 per cent, above the cost.
Mr M. McGowan :
Release the tenders to prove that.
Dr M.D. NAHAN :
Those are the facts of the matter.
Mr M. McGowan : You
just make things up. Dr M.D. NAHAN :
The Leader of the Opposition shoots his mouth off without getting the facts.
corporation, and it decides the tenders. It keeps the tenders confidential.
Mr M. McGowan : I never
believe your facts.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : I do
not believe a thing the Leader of the Opposition says. Who would believe the
Leader of the Opposition? It is true that ABB Australia did not win that
contract, and as a result of that 56 people will lose their jobs. It is true
that the company built a plant in Vietnam, and it is true that its bid was $80 million
over five years, or 40 per cent, above the cost.
Mr M. McGowan :
Release the tenders to prove that.
Dr M.D. NAHAN :
Those are the facts of the matter.
Mr M. McGowan : You
just make things up. Dr M.D. NAHAN :
The Leader of the Opposition shoots his mouth off without getting the facts.
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