GIENTZOTIS CONSULTING

In reply to Mr MARSHALL (Norwood) (18 October 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): I am advised:

1. The Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division (DPC-AARD) contracted the services of Gientzotis Consulting in January 2009 to deliver community governance and capacity building training programs in Amata, Pipalyatjara and Fregon. The contract sum was $290,664, exclusive of GST and the total amount paid against the contract was $285,674 (the final payment was made in February 2010).

DPC-AARD entered into a new contract for services with Gientzotis Consulting on 13 May 2010 to provide community governance and capacity building training programs in six communities (Amata, Fregon, Pipalyatjara, Nyapari, Kanpi and Kalka) on the APY Lands. The contract sum was $256,619 excluding GST with actual payments amounting to $255,347 (final payment was made in March 2011).

The work performed by Gientzotis Consulting was deemed to be 'contract for services' rather than 'consultancy' due to the fact they were supervised by a Senior Project Officer in DPC-AARD who provided direction, guidance and support to the contractor on a regular basis in the performance of their work.

The Capacity Building Program was conducted in situ with each Community Council and was tailored to address the specific needs and capacities of each Council and its members. 'Hands on' work was carried out to establish development and implementation of office policies and procedures, financial management skills, meeting procedures and skills associated with these such as chairing and minute taking, training in the use of office equipment, the development of a community representative organogram based on identifying family groups, the review of each Council's constitution and the transfer of these to the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006. In addition, a training program was developed for new members to the APY Executive. Support was provided to Community Store Councils to develop or refine their constitutions.

The Contractor spent concentrated periods of time in communities—frequently for two weeks at a time every eight to ten weeks—and worked alongside Council members to strengthen their capacity.