Article: Queensland Rail curbs expenditure

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

I think this a fine example by QR.  Will all the Government spin doctors, staffers, and other GOCs implement the same procedures?  Or is the gravy train continuing for the mates?

Queensland Rail curbs expenditure
Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Steven Wardill

September 16, 2008 12:00am

QUEENSLAND Rail staff have been forced to cancel everything from training to travel in a bid to rein in the company's spending on extra-curricular activities.

Besieged QR chief executive Lance Hockridge yesterday issued a stern edict that all employees were to immediately cancel a range of supposed work-related endeavours.

Leaked to The Courier-Mail within moments of being issued, Mr Hockridge's email decree put a stop to all planned overseas travel, entertainment, conferences, training courses, external invitations, staff functions and donations.

In the email, Mr Hockridge said QR was coming under increased scrutiny over its "spending behaviour" and it was integral that there were no breaches of probity or ethics.

"I would ask that you immediately cancel any activities in these categories that are pending or approved, but are yet to be undertaken," he said.

He said staff would have to resubmit their requests to a higher authority, while all plans for future domestic travel must also be provided.

"Please understand that the above comes into effect immediately and full compliance is required," he said.

The extra-curricula crackdown came after at least 10 senior QR staff spent last week at a five-day training course at the plush Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley.

The course cost $4500 for each employee.

But Mr Hockridge defended the course, saying "we make no apologies for training staff to provide better services".

Sources within QR said "dozens" of training courses from private providers that had already been booked would have to be cancelled, a move that would "cost a packet".

However, a QR spokesman said the corporation would ensure there were no "net costs" associated with cancellations.

"This is about delivering a more stringent approval process to ensure all commitments meet community standards and are appropriate and deliver business value to QR," he said.

The crackdown also followed highly embarrassing revelations recently about a planned $30,000 Riverfire soiree at a swanky Brisbane restaurant which QR management was forced to cancel at the last minute.

QR staff concerned about safety have also leaked documents revealing how a "macho culture" prevented the reporting of close calls and how staff were not trained in emergency evacuation procedures.