Chief Minister Michael Gunner has today released the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation’s (DTBI’s) findings regarding the Darwin Turf Club’s awarding of a construction contract to Jaytex Constructions.

These findings, as well as the independent probity audit conducted by accounting firm Moore Stephens, indicate that the Turf Club’s procurement process was independent and fair to all tenderers.

The Government has accepted that while the procurement process has been technically adhered to, the outcome of the Turf Club’s tender is not in line with public expectation about how public money should be tendered. 

The Chief Minister has instructed that there be an ongoing process to manage all potential conflicts during construction. Darwin Turf Club has complied with this instruction.

The Chief Minister has also directed the following significant changes be made to capital grant agreements between the Government and non-government organisations.

These changes to capital grants tendering are:

• The Territory Government will have the right to cease the tender process if there is a perceived or actual conflict of interest
• Individuals who have decision making power or who are able to influence the operations of an incorporated association cannot directly benefit from the awarding of a tender
• Prior to the tender being awarded, the NT Government will have the right to approve or not approve the winning contractor or sub-contractor

Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:

Territorians have right to expect taxpayer’s funding is tendered fairly and transparently.

The NT Government’s own procurement process, is an open and fair process that is also subject to the Territory’s strict buy local rules.

We have also appointed a Buy Local advocate to independently oversee the tendering process to ensure we are getting value for the Territory.

These changes to the capital grants rules and procurement processes, will ensure that Territorians can have faith that their money is being tendered fairly and without conflict.

Media Contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192