Taskforce flaws can't hide school hall story
02 Feb 2011
Media release The report released by the Implementation Taskforce investigating waste in the school hall programme has three clear flaws said Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education.
"Firstly, the Taskforce has prioritised the investigation of complaints but failed to provide assurances that the details of the complainant will be kept confidential," he said.
Mr Orgill has previously stated that the Taskforce could not guarantee anonymity for complainants. This has effectively excluded thousands of complaints from across the country made on the condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal.
Both media reports and the findings of other inquiries suggests that the intimidation of schools and principals is occurring to keep BER problems under wraps. The Orgill Taskforce appears to have made no effort to investigate this issue or devise a way to hear these concerns while protecting the complainant's identity.
Secondly, the definition of 'value for money' used by the Taskforce includes 'time' along with 'cost' and 'quality', meaning the Taskforce considers an additional premium for meeting deadlines is justified. This ignores the fact that the school hall programme remains months and in some cases years behind schedule across the nation.
"This new definition of 'value for money' hides the truth about the school hall programme - billions of dollars have been wasted."
Finally, the Implementation Taskforce is not independent of Government, it never has been, and it was always going to present the best possible picture of the BER. Mr Orgill has been a staunch defender of the school hall programme in the media, well in advance of the delivery of this report today.
Despite this, the figures clearly show that in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland the government sector paid more for BER buildings than the Catholic and independent sector operating within the same market.
"This report shows the BER warrants further investigation by a truly independent judicial inquiry with the power to summons witnesses, subpoena documents, and protect the identity of complainants," Mr Pyne said.
December 15, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Howard
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