Labor leader Peter Malinauskas’ reckless approach to decision making in this pre-election period is now a clear risk to our state’s economic recovery.
Mr Malinauskas has been virtually writing blank cheques for uncosted election promises and threatening to intervene and overturn multi-million-dollar project decisions by independent boards.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said just in the last few days, Mr Malinauskas has:
- Written a virtual blank cheque to run a car race through the streets of Adelaide which may well cost taxpayers $60 million – $80 million over 4 years.
- Promised $80 million to takeover and build a swimming pool in the parklands whilst refusing to indicate what the annual taxpayer subsidy will be
- Threatened to intervene and overturn the multi-million-dollar decision over the Bowden project which was based on the unanimous recommendation of an independent specialist Board.
“This sort of reckless decision making will discourage business and investors from continuing to invest in South Australia and create jobs,” said Treasurer Lucas.
“Some of the claims made by Mr Malinauskas in recent days about the Bowden project are not only reckless but also factually wrong.
“For example, Mr Malinauskas has declared that bidders for the project were not aware of the criteria upon which their bids would be assessed.
“Bidders were clearly advised the criteria included Master Plan and Vision, Commercial Offer, Development Delivery Time, Environmental and Remediation Strategy and Development Program and Timing.
“It is correct to claim that the weighting of each criteria was not provided to bidders.
“However, Renewal SA has advised me that this process is exactly the same as that adopted under the former Labor government. So, the hypocrisy of the Labor Party is, again, starkly revealed.
“For example, similar bidding processes under Labor for the Glenside and ORAH developments were all conducted without the bidders being advised of the weighting of individual evaluation criteria.
“It should be noted that Stephen Mullighan was actually the Minister responsible for Renewal SA from 2016 until the State Election.
“Finally, at the time I approved MAB as the preferred proponent last month, Crown Law advice made it clear that after my approval the CEO of Renewal SA had the delegated authority to sign the final contracts.
“Again, this was consistent with the process for projects such as Tonsley and Seaford under the former Labor government. In fact, I’m advised the former CEO of Renewal SA actually signed off 2 development deals at Caroma and Norwood Green during caretaker period prior to the last election.
“Consistent with my approval and that legal advice, the final deal with MAB Corp will be signed by Renewal SA whenever the final deal is agreed.”