The Auditor General report released today on Perth’s Arena is a warning to the Barnett Government for future major projects in our State, Labor Leader Eric Ripper said today.
Mr Ripper said Labor endorsed the Auditor General’s recommendations including the need to improve the procurement and delivery of capital projects.
“I acknowledge there were significant problems in the administration of the Perth Arena project during Labor’s time in office and I endorse the Auditor General’s recommendations which will ensure these problems are not repeated,” Mr Ripper said.
“Labor can be proud of its record in this State having delivered $30billion of infrastructure and capital works projects while reducing the State’s debt.
“This was clearly a project where the scarcity of planning and project management resources were exposed.”
Mr Ripper called on the Barnett Government to implement the Auditor General’s recommendations in full and as soon as possible.
“The future of major projects promised by Premier Colin Barnett are at risk,” Mr Ripper said.
“The Premier has announced major infrastructure projects including the Oakajee Port, Perth Waterfront Development and Northbridge Link without addressing any of the concerns highlighted in the Auditor General’s report.
“These projects have been announced and more than $564million of taxpayers’ dollars has been committed despite the fact that the projects have not been scoped or planned, the risks for the State have not been identified and there has been no transparency and no accountability in the decision-making process.
