THE State Government has announced a Commission of Inquiry into some of the contracts and projects undertaken by Colin Barnett’s government.
The inquiry will focus on the decision-making processes, transparency and financial consequences of the projects.
Former Under Treasurer John Langoulant AO will head the inquiry.
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READ NOWAccording to a State Government media release, the “dealings have exposed Western Australians to significant financial cost and risk, failed to deliver promised benefits to taxpayers or have been shrouded in secrecy”.
Twenty-six projects will be examined, including the Muja power station refurbishment, IT cost blowouts at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital.
The report into the projects is due by October, and Premier Mark McGowan said WA taxpayers had a right to know “where all the money went”.
“They need to know how WA has gone from having the best set of finances in the nation, to the worst,” Mr McGowan said.
“The Liberals and Nationals refused to answer simple questions about how taxpayers’ money was being spent.
“They oversaw massive cost blowouts on projects like the Muja power station and the Serco contract at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
“We need to get to the bottom of these deals and the Commission of Inquiry will answer these questions.
“It will bring a high level of scrutiny, transparency and accountability to a series of decisions and projects of the former government.”
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