Answers to Questions

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AQUATIC AND LEISURE CENTRE

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (24 November 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Recreation and Sport has provided the following information:

1. Following the Minister for Recreation and Sport's announcement in March 2011 that the YMCA was the preferred operator of the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre (SAALC), the draft Operation and Maintenance Agreement required finalising for execution. A number of issues were noted through the negotiation process that required time to be reviewed satisfactorily by both legal parties. This was a complex and detailed process that Crown Solicitor's Office was party to.

2. The SAALC was granted practical completion on 24 March 2011, and the Office for Recreation and Sport (ORS) was handed responsibility for the property and operation. In keeping with the requirements of the project, other related Government contractual obligations and Cabinet approval, the ORS managed the operation of the SAALC including the test events leading up to the Australian Age Championships.

The YMCA was approved by Cabinet to be appointed the Operator of SAALC. All parties understood from the contract negotiation workshops held in February 2011 that the contract negotiation would be finalised through the mobilisation period and in place for the commencement of the contract on 1 July 2011. The Cabinet approval given for the YMCA arrangement was based on the ORS being responsible for the operation and overarching management of the SAALC from April-June.

3. The YMCA tendered a Mobilisation Plan and Budget. These were reviewed against the establishment tasks and costs of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC).

The YMCA agreed through the operator negotiation workshops in February 2011 that the mobilisation clauses' in the draft Operations and Maintenance Agreement and the mobilisation plan and budget stipulated the requirements and responsibilities through this period.

In keeping with the negotiations, ORS and the YMCA representatives worked together through the mobilisation process to open the facility and host the successful 2011 Australian Age Swimming Championships.

4. The arrangements in place with the YMCA during the mobilisation period were agreed through the negotiation process. The YMCA approached and delivered their mobilisation services professionally with the SA Government acknowledgment of them being the preferred operator for the five (5) year term, commencing 1 July 2011.

Any risks associated with SAALC were managed by ORS through the monitoring of the mobilisation plan with regular meetings with the YMCA and monthly reports.

The Operation and Maintenance Agreement was executed when the YMCA commenced its five year term on 1 July 2011.