NTegrity

The recent media reports of post tender revisions and/or other economic renegotiations in general is a troubling and worrying development for all industries operating in the Northern Territory.

Property Council of Australia’s NT Executive Director Ruth Palmer said, it brings into sharp focus major problems with the Northern Territory Government’s current tendering process and system.

“It raises the fundamental issue of integrity.

“Integrity of the tender system, integrity of that industry, integrity of the government and their departments, and the integrity of public perception in general.

“It raises the issue of integrity for the community and tax payers that were led to believe that they were to receive something of a certain quality and feature.

“It raises the issue of integrity for the tenderers that were ultimately unsuccessful in the fairness and level playing field of the tender process.

“It raises the issue of integrity in the Government and their department’s ability to enter into, negotiate and manage major projects.

“Sadly, negative design revisions and other economic changes post awarding of tenders (the other usual suspect is contributions over headworks and other infrastructure related costs) are a precedent that has been set and established for far too long in the Northern Territory and is embedded in the NT’s tender system.

“Both Government and Industry need to be held to account, especially where tax payer’s funds are at stake.

“Otherwise the tender process will continue to be one of promising the world, but only giving an atlas in the end.”

 

Media contact: Ruth Palmer | E [email protected]