Moore Caught Out On Housing Contracts

The Facts Speak For Themselves

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Employment

Media Statement - 6 March 2001

Housing Minister Michael Moore has been caught out on his statements over the awarding of Housing contracts to interstate companies Labor Shadow Employment Minister Wayne Berry said today.

Last week Mr Moore cited 'perceived lower satisfaction levels' as one of the reasons the contracts were awarded to interstate companies and not to Totalcare. The decision will mean significant job losses at Totalcare with up to 70% of staff in facilities management facing the axe.

"The truth is now out," Mr Berry said, "Totalcare did 19,894 jobs for housing clients last year and achieved a 97.5% satisfaction level.

"This is a satisfaction level dreamed about in many industries.

"Last week Michael Moore attempted to create the impression that Totalcare had performed badly but what is clear is that they have performed well. I am concerned that the real reason for the transfer of the work to interstate companies and all the job losses at Totalcare is the ACT Government's obsession with their 'private good, public bad' ideology.

"And Michael Moore is prepared to publicly support that ideology as if he were born to it.

"The Canberra community is entitled to be entirely cynical about the government's claim that the contracting arrangements were conducted at arms length when the basis of decisions is on Ministerial perceptions rather the facts," Mr Berry concluded.