Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, , 5:09:42 to 5:12:11
Questions are raised regarding major decisions or contracts authorized during the caretaker period and the basis for the $100 million funding commitment announced in April 2025.
Topics: Infrastructure, Procurement
Speakers: Senator Maria Kovacic, Lok Potticary, Unknown Speaker
>> Okay. Between the commencement of caretaker on the 28th of March and the election on the 3rd of May, were any new um major decisions, contracts or undertakings authorized for this project beyond the routine admin and the preparation of PIO?
>> So the state government, the New South Wales government is responsible for contracting for this project. So from a Commonwealth perspective, there is no contracting related to this project. The New South Wales is New South Wales government is the lead agency.
>> So my question was major new decisions, contracts or undertakings authorized. So any other of those in relation to federal government commitments during that period
>> related specifically to this project?
>> Correct. To this project specifically.
>> Um I think the answer is no. And if I'll come back to you if that's not >> if you could confirm on notice.
>> Thank you. >> Um on the 7th of April 2025 the government announced its $100 million commitment sta stating that early investigation work had been completed by transport for New South Wales. Um what work had been completed by that date to your knowledge and what work remained outstanding?
>> What was the date that you mentioned? Sorry.
>> The 7th of April 2025.
Um I might have to come back to you on that one on notice, Senator.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um on that same
>> the the work that had been done is some traffic modeling that had previously been undertaken as part of a um strategic business case that the New South Wales government had undertaken. I think that was um the the work that had been undertaken prior to that.
>> Okay. So to your knowledge that's the only work but if it's any different you'll let us know and no costing attached to that just traffic
>> I don't think there was a costing in that particular document.
>> Okay. If you could confirm that for us.
>> Y
>> or any other documents that were held at that point in time. On the same day, Minister King said the government had worked with New South Wales to arrive at the $und00 million figure and was confident it would fund construction. Um, so that same day was the 7th of April, 2025. What advice from New South Wales supported that assessment?
>> Uh, I think that goes to the question that we took on notice previously,