SPOTLESS CONTRACT

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (14:46): My question is again to the Minister for Transport. Can the minister confirm the concerns that have been raised within government in relation to Spotless overcharging on its contract by more than $500,000 a year and what action the government has taken in relation to any overcharging?

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:46): I can confirm that officers of the government have raised concerns with Spotless, including that and others, because they are rigorous managers of the public purse. They manage the contract in the interest of the taxpayer, and they manage it with great rigour. What I would say again to the member for Davenport is that everything I have told him is the best advice that I can get from the department.

I am happy for him to have as long as he wants with the officer responsible for this, and he can ask all of those questions. But I will tell you this: while I respect the member for Davenport as being one of the members of the opposition who has more than usual acuity for that group, I am not going to substitute his view for the view of the responsible officer. I invite him to have a briefing and we will be completely open about all those aspects. What I will say is this: I am absolutely satisfied that our officers are managing this contract with great rigour in the interests of the taxpayer. I would be more concerned if they never found fault with Spotless, because I would be worried if they were doing their job.

Mr Williams interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!