Queensland Parliament Estimates Hearings - 2017/2018

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/Estimates

Estimates Hearings

The estimates process aids the Parliament in its scrutiny of the Government's proposed expenditure. Since 1994, committees of the parliament have undertaken the estimates process, by examining and reporting on the proposed expenditures contained in the Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill.

In 2017 the examination of the Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill will be carried out by the seven portfolio committees.

During the estimates process (from 18 to 27 July 2017) each portfolio committee will hold a public hearing at which the Speaker and Ministers (and certain senior public servants and officers) are questioned regarding the proposed expenditures for the relevant portfolio areas. Other Members of the Legislative Assembly who are not members of the committee may also ask questions, with the leave of the committee.

The dates of portfolio committee hearings are set out below.

Information on the 2017 budget process is available on each committee's Estimates inquiry page by clicking on the Consideration of 2017/18 portfolio budget estimates inquiry details links below. The hearing schedules for each committee can be accessed by clicking on the relevant date below and also on the individual committee's Estimates inquiry page. Please note: the links to this information will be added as they become available.

When the committee's hearings are completed, the committee members meet, discuss the information gained and compile a final report for tabling in Parliament. Reports are to be tabled by 4 August 2017. The reports are then debated by the Parliament as part of its consideration of the Appropriation Bills.

Program >> https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/Estimates

[ozbob]

Queensland Tmes --> Hanson explains why Miller gets a big tick


THE FINE FIGHT: Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller has won respect far and wide for her estimates hearings performances. She is more than ready for the next round. Warren Lynam

IT IS a strategic decision by One Nation no doubt, but national leader Pauline Hanson says there are other key reasons why the party has decided not to run candidates against sitting Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller at the next state election.

Senator Hanson has backed up One Nation's Queensland leader Steve Dickson's declaration that Ms Miller's stellar performance in her electorate had led the party to stay clear of Bundamba at the upcoming poll.

She has also explained additional reasons

"Unlike so many others within the Labor Party, Jo-Ann has always taken the time to include me and my office on issues that matter to both her electorate and the state," Senator Hanson told the QT.

"Ms Miller has always kept me informed on the black lung inquiry she has held, and we share an equal interest in ensuring the longevity of the greyhounds in Ipswich and across the state of Queensland."

Senator Hanson has admired the way Ms Miller has represented her constituents at estimates hearings in parliament.

Both women are known for their feisty ways.

"Perhaps it's an Ipswich thing," Ms Hanson said.

"We're both of strong character and neither of us have been afraid to speak out when necessary.

"I have no interest in wasting resources this state election on diluting the votes of a small number of sitting members who are genuinely doing the right thing by their constituents.

"It's a credit to Jo-Ann for the character she continues to show, and my Queensland leader Steve Dickson agrees."

Ms Miller told the QT she heard the news about One Nation's policy about the Bundamba electorate on ABC radio and was blown away.

"I was stunned when the announcement was made. I couldn't believe it," she said.

Ms Miller explained why she had earned the respect of constituents, and those like Senator Hanson, on the other side of politics.

"I think that last year I broke the mould in terms of the estimates hearings committee hearings," she said.

"On behalf of my community I went in and asked very direct questions of every Minister over a period of nearly two weeks, working from 9am until 9pm every day.

"I know that the local people really appreciated it."

Estimates hearings start again today in parliament and Ms Miller said she was ready for another round.

"I had quite a number of people contact me weeks in advance with their questions," she said last night.

"Before I left for parliament I had locals coming with their questions in their own hand writing asking me to ask their questions to the Ministers. It is real democracy in action."

Ms Miller said she thought it was "a strategic decision by One Nation not to run someone" in her seat based on best utilising their resources, after unsuccessfully running candidates in Bundamba in the past.

Ms Miller had a chuckle when asked about the qualities she shares with Ms Hanson. Ms Hanson launched her political career in Ipswich and has bounced back from many trials and tribulations. Ms Miller also does not stay on the canvas for long.

"I think we are both feisty. We are both from Ipswich. People try and kick us down and we both get up again," Ms Miller said.

"I think there must be something in the Ipswich water."

Meanwhile, on the subject of preferences, Ms Hanson has outlined the One Nation position for the Queensland election.

"I am not interested in preference deals with either Labor or the LNP," she said.

"Steve Dickson and I will look at preferences on a seat by seat basis, but I want to make it very clear to voters this election that 'you own your vote'."

Ms Hanson said she had a concise message for voters at the next election.

"Don't blindly follow how to vote cards put out by the parties," she said.

[ozbob]

Mrs Miller, Member for Bundamba asked the QAG if a request for audit into NGR and DDA was made.  He said no request.

THAT IS INCORRECT.  Look forward to reviewing the Hansard.

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887142530961129473

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887142766928551940

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887143041340809216

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887144766223167488

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887146675625541632

[ozbob]

I have been advised that misleading Parliament in Estimates is very serious.

Once confirmed in Hansard, and if not corrected, I will be writing to the Premier and the Speaker requesting the QAG resign.

[#Metro]

8 Auditor-general not subject to direction

(1) The auditor-general is not subject to direction by any person
about—
(a) the way in which the auditor-general's powers in
relation to audit are to be exercised; or
(b) the priority to be given to audit matters.
(2) Subsection (1) applies despite the Public Service Act 2008.

From Auditor-General Act (2009)
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/A/AuditGenA09.pdf

[ozbob]

^

Huh?  No one can mislead Parliament and not be held to account. 

It is not about whether or not the audit was done, the question from the Member for Bundamba was simply was there a request.

[#Metro]

I know. It's just FYI. Was not intended as a response to earlier post.

[ozbob]

Hansard will be available here > https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/sitting-dates/latest-sitting-dates

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/tennewsqld/status/887212253774204928

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Record of Proceedings (Hansard)

18th July 2017

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_18_EstimatesFAC.pdf

Mrs MILLER: I would like to call the Auditor-General. Congratulations on your appointment.

Auditor-General, have you been requested to conduct an audit of the New Generation Rollingstock and
design issues, particularly with respect to the Disability Discrimination Act? If you plan to undertake
such an audit, when will that audit be undertaken and how much will the audit cost?

Mr Worrall: Thank you for your initial remarks. I am not aware that we have been asked to
undertake such an audit and currently we have no plans to undertake such an audit.

[ozbob]

Sent to the Premier and Speaker 18th July 2017

CC. To the Deputy Premier and Member for Bundamba

Request for correction of Record of Proceedings (Hansard) 18th July 2017

Dear Speaker and Premier,

Today in Estimates the Member for Bundamba, Mrs Miller asked the following question of the Queensland Auditor General.

Record of Proceedings (Hansard)

18th July 2017

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_18_EstimatesFAC.pdf

Quote

    Mrs MILLER: I would like to call the Auditor-General. Congratulations on your appointment.

    Auditor-General, have you been requested to conduct an audit of the New Generation Rollingstock and
    design issues, particularly with respect to the Disability Discrimination Act? If you plan to undertake
    such an audit, when will that audit be undertaken and how much will the audit cost?

    Mr Worrall: Thank you for your initial remarks. I am not aware that we have been asked to
    undertake such an audit and currently we have no plans to undertake such an audit.

This is not correct.  I, on behalf of RAIL Back On Track requested the Queensland Audit Office to in fact audit the New Generation Rollingstock Project, together with the Redcliffe Peninsula Line Signalling, Queensland Rail's performance composition and service delivery, and Cross River Rail.

A copy of the letter is below.

Timeline as follows:

Letter posted on the 9th March 2017.  I received an acknowledgement of receipt via a telephone call on the 15th March 2017.  I was subsequently contacted by the Queensland Audit Office on the 3rd of July 2017 (telephone) to inform me that our request for audits had been declined.

We request the record be corrected please. There has been a request to audit the New Generation Rollingstock project, albeit declined.

Yours sincerely,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Copy of Letter to QAG of the 9th March 2017

Robert Dow - Administration                     9 March 2017
RAIL Back on Track
admin@backontrack.org

Mr. Anthony Close
Auditor-General (Acting)

Mr David Adams
Sector Director (Infrastructure)
Queensland Audit Office
PO Box 15396
CITY EAST QLD 4002


Request for Audit into Performance of Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads


Dear Auditor General Mr. Anthony Close,
Dear Sector Director Mr David Adams,

RAIL Back on Track is the primary passenger community group advocating for better public transport services in Queensland.

RAIL Back on Track formally and humbly requests that the Queensland Audit Office audit the performance Department of Transport and Main Roads, TransLink and Queensland Rail. In particular, we are deeply concerned about the following four areas:

New Generation Rolling stock (NGR) train contract with Bombardier and QTECTIC
Redcliffe Peninsula Line Signalling
Queensland Rail's performance, management composition and service delivery
Cross River Rail / BaT

Queensland Rail, TransLink and the Department of Transport and Main Roads involvement and responsibilities overlap in these four areas. We believe that an audit is required to prevent further waste and mismanagement of the transport portfolio given the large sums of money involved (e.g. $4.4 billion for the NGR trains) and the fact that continuation of the 'rail fail' as it has become known in the media is likely to impact SEQ public transport services during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and later.

New Generation Rolling stock

NGR trains represent the largest single investment in Queensland in trains and is worth $4.4 billion over 32 years. These trains are particularly important for the realisation of the Cross River Rail project.

Unfortunately, after 12 months of testing these trains are riddled with design issues and flaws requiring expensive modification. Such flaws include the lack of a space for a guard, modification required at 143 QR train stations to permit driver line-of-sight, problems with air conditioning and concerns about train braking rates, among others. Significantly, the trains appear to be disability non-compliant and are thus the subject of a petition by Australian Paralympic athlete Geoff Trappett OAM. 1

RAIL Back on Track wants to know who is responsible for this expensive fiasco and delay that is impacting the people of Queensland. We are aware that despite the trains being manufactured in India, the train design work was performed in Milton, Brisbane. A key part of any investigation will thus be securing a copy of the train design files. This will reveal whether the Queensland Government approved design was disability non-compliant to begin with, or whether the design requested was compliant but not adhered to at the factory end.

Redcliffe Peninsula Line Signalling

Similar to the NGR train fiasco, Queensland Rail's newest railway extension- the Redcliffe Peninsula Line- was delayed due to signalling failure and project mismanagement. We would like to know the technical reasons as to why the signalling system is incompatible with that established on the QR network and who was responsible for choosing it, and have the issues been resolved.

Queensland Rail's performance, composition and service delivery

Since the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula line, driver shortages have occurred leading to a disastrous Christmas Day 'Rail Fail' where 235 services were cancelled or altered. Train services will remain cut from the usual timetable for approximately two years. RAIL Back on Track finds this unacceptable and does not understand how information pertaining to a driver shortage could be held within QR for so long. We also do not understand why the Queensland Government decided to let cancellations propagate across the entire SEQ rail network rather than isolate the problem by running short 'shuttle only' services on the line concerned (e.g. similar to the Springfield Line staged opening process).

In particular, we draw the attention of the Queensland Audit Office to the fact that most of the QR Board and QR Executive Leadership team have not been sacked and were paid large bonuses despite delivering abysmal performance.2 It is our opinion that the continued employment of members of the QR board and executive leadership is inconsistent with the principles of good government and management in Queensland. A two year reduced timetable will impact other rail lines within the QR network during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and is unacceptable. When similar issues occurred with rail operator Connex in Melbourne, the Victorian government acted by fining the operator and refusing to renew its contract.

Cross River Rail / BaT

Cross River Rail is the Queensland Government's largest and most expensive public transport infrastructure project. It will be essential for maintaining quality of life and access to employment for residents of Logan and the Gold Coast. It is also important for tourists visiting the Gold Coast as Gold Coast trains connect to Brisbane Airport.

Absolutely enormous amounts of valuable public servant time and government money have been expended on Cross River Rail over the last nine years. So far, not a single piece of track has been laid for the project, and only ~15% of the funds required for it have been set aside by the Queensland Government.

Of concern within the CRR project is the reduction of the BCR and NPV key business case indicators with each project iteration. These key business case indicators contained in the recent 'Request for Project Change' and figures released by Building Queensland also appear to be inconsistent:

For example, the Co-ordinator General's Report (2012) states:3

"In terms of overall project benefit, the EIS identified that the project would deliver a net present value (NPV) of $2.3 billion with a benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1:42. The EIS also predicted that this BCR would increase to 1:63 when the wider economic impacts are included." (Page 108, describing the CRR 'Reference Project')

Building Queensland's Summary Business Case (2016) table states:4

BCR 1.21 (P50 estimate) 1.12 (P90 estimate).
NPV $996.0m

The most recent estimates are from the 'Request for Change' published on the Cross River Rail website. The table on page 23 of the ' Request for Change ' report is claiming a BCR of 1.4 and an NPV almost 2x higher than that assessed by Building Queensland in 2016. The Queensland Audit Office could perhaps examine how these figures were arrived at and why the figures for the CRR project between Building Queensland (2016) and those in the Request for Project Change (2017) are inconsistent?

Conclusion

RAIL Back on Track believes that the transport portfolio, both in terms of concrete infrastructure and operational service delivery has become compromised to the point of crisis. The prospect of reduced train services for the next two years is unacceptable. The delivery of flawed and disability non-compliant trains to Queensland is unacceptable. The fact that Queensland Rail executives were paid bonuses and have kept their employment while performance collapsed on the network and services remain at a reduced level is unacceptable.

In contrast, comparable jurisdictions such as Perth, Western Australia or Auckland, New Zealand, have been able to significantly transform their public transport networks and competently manage large and expensive projects without the failures seen in Queensland.

There is a long history and culture of infrastructure project 'botches' in Queensland. Given this reality, may we say that it is deeply disappointing that the Auditor General's position on the Queensland Rail board was discontinued.5 The Queensland Audit Office should note that its Victorian counterpart routinely audits the performance and contractual arrangements of its public transport operators (Yarra Trams, Metro, V/Line, private bus operators) and regulators (Public Transport Victoria). 6

We thank the Queensland Auditor General and Sector Director for the consideration of our audit request.


Sincerely,

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL BACK on Track

===================

Above correspondence has been sent to all outlets 19th July 2017.   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887237335770832896

[InclusionMoves]

Placing on record that inclusion moves fully support an inquiry in due course. To whitewash a request for public inquiry from the record can be seen as supporting state sanctioned discrimination. Given disability discrimination is a complaints based legislation a strong scrutiny is vital. This will be treated with the utmost seriousness. RBOT and the disability sector are absolutely in this together.

Geoff

[ozbob]

Placing on record that inclusion moves fully support an inquiry in due course. To whitewash a request for public inquiry from the record can be seen as supporting state sanctioned discrimination. Given disability discrimination is a complaints based legislation a strong scrutiny is vital. This will be treated with the utmost seriousness. RBOT and the disability sector are absolutely in this together.

Geoff

Thank you!

I trust and hope that this particular failure to answer correctly in estimates is just a reflection on poor briefing of the AG by the AO staff, and not part of the wider conspiracy of silence re the NGR DDA botch.  Still, it doesn't reflect well on the QAG or the Audit Office. and the Government I am afraid.

Let's see if it is corrected.  It certainly exposes the whole issue of the NGR failure once again though. Shocker! 

[ozbob]

Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning is up next, 9am this morning.

>>  http://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/

Transport will be examined 11.30am to 1.30pm.

[ozbob]

Ha ha ... the DP has just announced in estimates the June CRU ' Fixing the trains ' report ...   

[ozbob]

Ha ha ... the DP has just announced in estimates the June CRU ' Fixing the trains ' report ...   

Fixing the Trains – June Quarter 2017 (PDF, 2,215 KB)

[ozbob]

I have been advised to send this correspondence to the Finance and Administration Committee.

Which I have now done, today 19th July 2017, and have received an acknowledgement of receipt.

Sent to the Premier and Speaker 18th July 2017

CC. To the Deputy Premier and Member for Bundamba

Request for correction of Record of Proceedings (Hansard) 18th July 2017

Dear Speaker and Premier,

Today in Estimates the Member for Bundamba, Mrs Miller asked the following question of the Queensland Auditor General.

Record of Proceedings (Hansard)

18th July 2017

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_18_EstimatesFAC.pdf

Quote

    Mrs MILLER: I would like to call the Auditor-General. Congratulations on your appointment.

    Auditor-General, have you been requested to conduct an audit of the New Generation Rollingstock and
    design issues, particularly with respect to the Disability Discrimination Act? If you plan to undertake
    such an audit, when will that audit be undertaken and how much will the audit cost?

    Mr Worrall: Thank you for your initial remarks. I am not aware that we have been asked to
    undertake such an audit and currently we have no plans to undertake such an audit.

This is not correct.  I, on behalf of RAIL Back On Track requested the Queensland Audit Office to in fact audit the New Generation Rollingstock Project, together with the Redcliffe Peninsula Line Signalling, Queensland Rail's performance composition and service delivery, and Cross River Rail.

A copy of the letter is below.

Timeline as follows:

Letter posted on the 9th March 2017.  I received an acknowledgement of receipt via a telephone call on the 15th March 2017.  I was subsequently contacted by the Queensland Audit Office on the 3rd of July 2017 (telephone) to inform me that our request for audits had been declined.

We request the record be corrected please. There has been a request to audit the New Generation Rollingstock project, albeit declined.

Yours sincerely,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Copy of Letter to QAG of the 9th March 2017

Robert Dow - Administration                     9 March 2017
RAIL Back on Track
admin@backontrack.org

Mr. Anthony Close
Auditor-General (Acting)

Mr David Adams
Sector Director (Infrastructure)
Queensland Audit Office
PO Box 15396
CITY EAST QLD 4002


Request for Audit into Performance of Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads


Dear Auditor General Mr. Anthony Close,
Dear Sector Director Mr David Adams,

RAIL Back on Track is the primary passenger community group advocating for better public transport services in Queensland.

RAIL Back on Track formally and humbly requests that the Queensland Audit Office audit the performance Department of Transport and Main Roads, TransLink and Queensland Rail. In particular, we are deeply concerned about the following four areas:

New Generation Rolling stock (NGR) train contract with Bombardier and QTECTIC
Redcliffe Peninsula Line Signalling
Queensland Rail's performance, management composition and service delivery
Cross River Rail / BaT

Queensland Rail, TransLink and the Department of Transport and Main Roads involvement and responsibilities overlap in these four areas. We believe that an audit is required to prevent further waste and mismanagement of the transport portfolio given the large sums of money involved (e.g. $4.4 billion for the NGR trains) and the fact that continuation of the 'rail fail' as it has become known in the media is likely to impact SEQ public transport services during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and later.

New Generation Rolling stock

NGR trains represent the largest single investment in Queensland in trains and is worth $4.4 billion over 32 years. These trains are particularly important for the realisation of the Cross River Rail project.

Unfortunately, after 12 months of testing these trains are riddled with design issues and flaws requiring expensive modification. Such flaws include the lack of a space for a guard, modification required at 143 QR train stations to permit driver line-of-sight, problems with air conditioning and concerns about train braking rates, among others. Significantly, the trains appear to be disability non-compliant and are thus the subject of a petition by Australian Paralympic athlete Geoff Trappett OAM. 1

RAIL Back on Track wants to know who is responsible for this expensive fiasco and delay that is impacting the people of Queensland. We are aware that despite the trains being manufactured in India, the train design work was performed in Milton, Brisbane. A key part of any investigation will thus be securing a copy of the train design files. This will reveal whether the Queensland Government approved design was disability non-compliant to begin with, or whether the design requested was compliant but not adhered to at the factory end.

Redcliffe Peninsula Line Signalling

Similar to the NGR train fiasco, Queensland Rail's newest railway extension- the Redcliffe Peninsula Line- was delayed due to signalling failure and project mismanagement. We would like to know the technical reasons as to why the signalling system is incompatible with that established on the QR network and who was responsible for choosing it, and have the issues been resolved.

Queensland Rail's performance, composition and service delivery

Since the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula line, driver shortages have occurred leading to a disastrous Christmas Day 'Rail Fail' where 235 services were cancelled or altered. Train services will remain cut from the usual timetable for approximately two years. RAIL Back on Track finds this unacceptable and does not understand how information pertaining to a driver shortage could be held within QR for so long. We also do not understand why the Queensland Government decided to let cancellations propagate across the entire SEQ rail network rather than isolate the problem by running short 'shuttle only' services on the line concerned (e.g. similar to the Springfield Line staged opening process).

In particular, we draw the attention of the Queensland Audit Office to the fact that most of the QR Board and QR Executive Leadership team have not been sacked and were paid large bonuses despite delivering abysmal performance.2 It is our opinion that the continued employment of members of the QR board and executive leadership is inconsistent with the principles of good government and management in Queensland. A two year reduced timetable will impact other rail lines within the QR network during the 2018 Commonwealth Games and is unacceptable. When similar issues occurred with rail operator Connex in Melbourne, the Victorian government acted by fining the operator and refusing to renew its contract.

Cross River Rail / BaT

Cross River Rail is the Queensland Government's largest and most expensive public transport infrastructure project. It will be essential for maintaining quality of life and access to employment for residents of Logan and the Gold Coast. It is also important for tourists visiting the Gold Coast as Gold Coast trains connect to Brisbane Airport.

Absolutely enormous amounts of valuable public servant time and government money have been expended on Cross River Rail over the last nine years. So far, not a single piece of track has been laid for the project, and only ~15% of the funds required for it have been set aside by the Queensland Government.

Of concern within the CRR project is the reduction of the BCR and NPV key business case indicators with each project iteration. These key business case indicators contained in the recent 'Request for Project Change' and figures released by Building Queensland also appear to be inconsistent:

For example, the Co-ordinator General's Report (2012) states:3

"In terms of overall project benefit, the EIS identified that the project would deliver a net present value (NPV) of $2.3 billion with a benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1:42. The EIS also predicted that this BCR would increase to 1:63 when the wider economic impacts are included." (Page 108, describing the CRR 'Reference Project')

Building Queensland's Summary Business Case (2016) table states:4

BCR 1.21 (P50 estimate) 1.12 (P90 estimate).
NPV $996.0m

The most recent estimates are from the 'Request for Change' published on the Cross River Rail website. The table on page 23 of the ' Request for Change ' report is claiming a BCR of 1.4 and an NPV almost 2x higher than that assessed by Building Queensland in 2016. The Queensland Audit Office could perhaps examine how these figures were arrived at and why the figures for the CRR project between Building Queensland (2016) and those in the Request for Project Change (2017) are inconsistent?

Conclusion

RAIL Back on Track believes that the transport portfolio, both in terms of concrete infrastructure and operational service delivery has become compromised to the point of crisis. The prospect of reduced train services for the next two years is unacceptable. The delivery of flawed and disability non-compliant trains to Queensland is unacceptable. The fact that Queensland Rail executives were paid bonuses and have kept their employment while performance collapsed on the network and services remain at a reduced level is unacceptable.

In contrast, comparable jurisdictions such as Perth, Western Australia or Auckland, New Zealand, have been able to significantly transform their public transport networks and competently manage large and expensive projects without the failures seen in Queensland.

There is a long history and culture of infrastructure project 'botches' in Queensland. Given this reality, may we say that it is deeply disappointing that the Auditor General's position on the Queensland Rail board was discontinued.5 The Queensland Audit Office should note that its Victorian counterpart routinely audits the performance and contractual arrangements of its public transport operators (Yarra Trams, Metro, V/Line, private bus operators) and regulators (Public Transport Victoria). 6

We thank the Queensland Auditor General and Sector Director for the consideration of our audit request.


Sincerely,

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL BACK on Track

===================

Above correspondence has been sent to all outlets 19th July 2017.   

[ozbob]

Some very interesting questions (and responses) in the Transport estimates.  Hansard will be available later today ..

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Dow calls for Hansard change after estimates answer

GOODNA based public-transport advocate Robert Dow has asked the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for a correction of Hansard after the Queensland Auditor General's response in estimates hearings to a question by Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller.

In estimates hearings in Parliament on Tuesday Ms Miller asked Queensland Auditor General Brendan Worrall whether he had been requested to conduct an audit of the New Generation Rollingstock and design issues, particularly with respect to the Disability Discrimination Act.

She followed up with: "If you plan to undertake such an audit, when will that audit be undertaken and how much will the audit cost?"

Mr Worrall responded: "I am not aware that we have been asked to undertake such an audit and currently we have no plans to undertake such an audit."

Mr Dow had earlier made a request for audit on behalf of Rail Back on Track.

"We don't think there has been any attempt to mislead Parliament but it was an incorrect response to the question," Mr Dow told the QT.

"We did request an audit on March 9. I received an acknowledgement on March 15 that it had been received and was contacted again on July 3 that our request had been denied.

"We were just absolutely stunned that the Auditor-General said there had been no request for audit. We think there has been a breakdown between the staff and him, but we do think (Hansard) needs to be corrected."

Mr Dow explained why he had earlier called for the audit.

"We were trying to find out why they ended up with trains that are not Disability Discrimiation Act compliant ," he said.

"They can't be used until they are fixed.

"The toilet measurements are incorrect. The width of the passageway past the toilet cubicle is incorrect and the width of the passageways between the carriages is too small.

"That means people in wheelchairs and other mobility devices cannot move between the carriages or transfer from wheelchair to the toilet because there is not enough space in the cubicle.

"The other problem is guards being at the rear which creates issues in handling people getting on and off in the middle of the trains.

"I am absolutely delighted with Mrs Miller's question because it shows a strong interest from our local Member in the New Generation Rolling Stock project, which is a serious concern to all of us at the moment."

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_19_EstimatesIPC.pdf

Page 39

Mrs MILLER: I have a couple of brief questions for the director-general. Mr Scales, at the outset
I would like to thank you for getting back to me in relation to the estimates last year, even though it was
two weeks ago. Mr Scales, could you please advise me whether there were any consultants employed
to provide advice concerning the Disability Discrimination Act and the new generation rolling stock? If
there were any consultants, who were they? What payments were made to date and what is the
expected payments?

Mr Scales: I thank the member for Bundamba for the question. On new generation rolling stock
we have just appointed an independent consultant to look at the access side. I do not have the details
of how much we are paying the lady, but if the DP will allow me I can take that on notice.

Mrs MILLER: Is the lady Margaret Stack?

Mr Scales: That sounds about right.

Mrs MILLER: As we know, the new generation rolling stock is out at Wulkuraka, in Ipswich.
Director-General, could you advise me and the committee as to who will have to pay to alter the contract
to fix these trains to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and who will have to pay to alter the
design faults, to the best of your knowledge?

Mr Scales: I thank the member for Bundamba for the question. Clearly, if it is an issue that is a
specification problem then the supplier will have to do that. If it is a modification that we institute as a
state through the Department of Transport and Main Roads then we would have to pay for that. As we
said earlier in the hearing, we are still undergoing that process is.

Mrs MILLER: Getting back to my previous question about the consultant, how long would that
contract be and can you provide us with the terms of reference for that consultant's work?

Mr Scales: With the DP's allowance, I will take that on notice. I can certainly get that for you

====================

After nearly two years a paid consultant is brought in to look at the DDA issues with NGR?

Why was the Queensland Rail Accessibility team concerns not noted?

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_19_EstimatesIPC.pdf

Page 47

Mrs MILLER: I have a follow-up question in relation to the Citytrain Response Unit to the
director-general, Mr Scales. Can you please advise how much the Citytrain Response Unit is costing?

Can you provide the committee with an organisational chart of this unit?

Mr Scales: It has been established, as the Deputy Premier says, as an independent unit
reporting directly to the Deputy Premier. It has a core team of five full-time staff. The chair is part-time,
Ms Jacqui Walters. The Citytrain Response Unit operated with a budget of $3.517 million in 2016-17,
and a further $3.704 million is allocated for 2017-18. In line with the Strachan inquiry recommendation
No. 35, the CRU members report on the implementation of Queensland Rail's response and recovery
plan and the agreed recommendations. To the point, they are the numbers. On an organisational chart
there are only really five full-time staff.

Mrs MILLER: Can you give us the positions and their duty statements, please, as well as the
organisational chart? Can you take that on notice?

Mr Scales: I think so, if the DP says so.

[#Metro]

So, the key question is, did the Queensland Government order a lemon, built to lemon specifications or did the manufacturer send a lemon when an apple was actually ordered.

I think Ms Miller can shed some light on that.

[ozbob]

There was a throw away comment during Estimates by Ms Trad that really did seem to confirm that the design for NGR was botched and the LNP managed to order non-DDA compliant trains by by-passing the normal procedures of having different groups sign off.

Mr Scales et al are very careful in what they say.  I do fear that Queensland will end up paying for modifications to ' fix the trains '.

The throw away comment may not be in Hansard ( I will check  - ed. not there  we found it!

Page 41 ... https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_19_EstimatesIPC.pdf

Ms TRAD: I wish they had negotiated the commercial contract for the New Generation
Rollingstock with the disability community before they signed off on specifications— )

There you have it.  We have found out the root problem.

It will be many months yet before any NGR are in revenue passenger service.  They (TMR etc.) are yet to work out what they are going to do. Then I assume it will have to go to Cabinet for approval.  And then the modifications have to be organised  (tender? ) and then done.

[ozbob]

For interest Margaret Stack ( the consultant brought in by TMR to look at the disability issues with NGR ) was in 2008 CityRail's (Sydney Trains)  Manager Disability Services [ http://www.sydneytrains.info/news/2008/081126-idpwd ].

[ozbob]

It is also worth noting that although not explicitly stated in Estimates a Question from Mr Powell to Mr Easy basically confirms reduced services on lines other than the Gold Coast/Airport for the Games.  We knew that anyway.

See ~ page 25  https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_19_EstimatesIPC.pdf

[ozbob]

Good Estimates this one.  Certainly has confirmed our worst fears and improved our understanding of the real problems and causes.

Well worth a read if you missed it today live.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/887574286990364672

[ozbob]

This State is really in trouble. 

The LNP are out to sabotage Cross River Rail.  The ALP will not really go for the juggler of the LNP for their role in setting up the NGR fail and rail fail, because the ALP have been rather slack themselves. 

So bluster, spin, deceit and down right lies permeate the media in an attempt to control voters heads ...

Carry on!   

[#Metro]

Need an upper house to moderate all this rubbish.

#FleeQLD

I will point out that the "reduction" in patronage on said trains is equal to just half of one train.

All explainable  through fare increases I believe.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Jo-Ann Miller continues to keep up the pressure on government in estimates

Who is worried?


https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/e/o/4/l/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gxe5ko.png/1500457247452.jpg
Ms Trad with Neil Scales at the second day of estimates. Photo: Darren England/AAP

Some of the best questions in estimates have been coming courtesy of maverick Ipswich politician Jo-Ann Miller, who was yet again shying away from the traditional Dorothy Dixers.

The member for Bundamba quizzed her own government's Labor ministers on everything from mining, Queensland Rail and land clearing.

Ms Miller quit cabinet after demotion as police minister in 2015, and proved a formidable opponent to the government during estimates hearings last year.

On the second day of estimates on Wednesday, Ms Miller pushed Mining Minister Anthony Lynham on a mining memorial in Redbank.

"In 2006, Premier Peter Beattie announced during my fourth re-election campaign that the permanent mining memorial for Queensland would be located at Redbank in my electorate," she said.

"Now minister, I am known for my patience but I'm getting a bit cranky because 11 years later it still has not been built."

Mr Lynham was pleased to inform Ms Miller the monument would go ahead.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the member for Bundamba who has tirelessly lobbied for this monument as far back as 2006," he said.

Ms Miller quizzed Deputy Premier Jackie Trad in relation to the "wanton destruction of vegetation, including every tree, shrub and blade of grass in some development areas" in her electorate, and later took offence when Ms Trad called her "somebody".

"I think it's unparliamentary that I be referred to as 'somebody'," she said.

Ms Miller also asked Ms Trad what date a consistent Monday to Friday train timetable would be returned.

Ms Trad detailed the work being done to restore sustainability and also said the new generation rollingstock trains, which have had their delivery put on hold, were almost fixed.

The NGR trains braking rate has been stablised, sight issues have been sorted and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning has been fixed, but disability access is yet to be fixed.

There are 15 NGR trains in Queensland.

Questions on notice tabled in estimates revealed five NGR trains had travelled thousands of kilometres for testing, but 10 trains - all those delivered from December 1, 2016 - travelled no kilometres.

Department of Transport director-general Neil Scales said trains had to be tested fault-free for 500km before being put in service.

On Wednesday, a new report revealed 28 out of the 200 new train drivers needed had been trained so far.

Meanwhile, Ms Trad avoided having to say whether she supported the development of a new thermal coal mine in Queensland.

Ms Trad asked how the question was relevant to the budget's service delivery statements.

Chair Jim Pearce agreed the question was "stretching it" and not relevant to "what we're doing here at the moment".

Deputy Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington protested that creating jobs was relevant to Ms Trad's portfolio, but she was unsuccessful in being allowed to ask the question or receive an answer.

The Adani mine has been a contentious political topic in recent months, with reported friction in Labor's factions over royalty deals, and the Greens also targeted Ms Trad's seat in South Brisbane over the Carmichael mine.

Mr Pearce was taking no nonsense during the hearings, at one point suggesting members having an argument take it outside.

"If you are going to keep this up, we'll go down the back stairs and have a talk about it. This is getting a little bit out of hand with people yelling at one another," he said.

"There's a lot of love here, and I'm trying to spread it."

Ms Frecklington also asked how two jobs were supported by the installation of three rubbish bins in Townsville at a cost of $5000 through the Works for Queensland program.

Ms Trad said regional communities were doing it tough and challenged the LNP to go to councils and say the projects they had proposed through Works for Queensland were "rubbish".

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th July 2017

Update: Request for correction of Record of Proceedings (Hansard) 18th July 2017

Good Morning,

To update you all.  I was advised by the Speaker's Office to forward my concerns direct to the Finance and Administration Committee.

Which I have done on the 19th July 2017, and have received an acknowledgement of receipt.

For interest the following story has been published in the Queensland Times  --> Dow calls for Hansard change after estimates answer

I am no constitutional lawyer, however I understand that misleading Estimates is the same as misleading Parliament, therefore it is not unreasonable to request that the record of proceedings (Hansard) be corrected in our view.

The New Generation Rollingstock ( a.k.a Not Going Right) trains project is an abject disaster!

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12854.msg195397#msg195397 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887714618923077632

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887723354983088128

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Rail advocate says Miller's work vital for democracy


HEAT ON: Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller is warming to her task in estimates hearings in parliament. Rob Williams

ROBERT Dow insists Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller's parliamentary performance in estimates hearings is vital for democracy in Queensland.

Ms Miller asked the hard questions of Labor ministers in estimates last year and she is repeating the dose this week in the first week of the hearings.

Mr Dow, a leading and respected public transport advocate, lives in Goodna in the heart of Ms Miller's electorate and said he had watched her performance closely.

He was delighted she asked a question on Tuesday of the Auditor General on the New Generation Rolling Stock audit Mr Dow had requested, just one of a raft of local and state issues she has highlighted.

Yesterday Ms Miller asked Deputy Premier Jackie Trad about the Ipswich rail timetables and the Woodlinks State School bus service.

"It is absolutely outstanding the way Jo-Ann Miller is standing up for her key stakeholders and all her constituents," Mr Dow said.

"What we want to see in parliament are questions that are honest, direct and searching... not Dorothy Dixers which is what has happened in the past where estimates has been more of a showpiece.

"In fact, Mrs Miller is showing up the Opposition for being somewhat lazy and incompetent.

"She is on the nail most times in estimates and that is a good thing for democracy in Queensland.

"It is refreshing to see a local Member put party politics aside and ask the searching questions that need to be asked."

Ms Miller told the QT on Monday that her questions had come straight from her heartland.

"I had quite a number of people contact me weeks in advance with their questions," she said.

"Before I left for parliament I had locals coming with their questions in their own hand writing asking me to ask their questions to the ministers.

"It is real democracy in action."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887756010856660992

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887757142865854465

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/887714618923077632

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/888074865747546112

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

21st July 2017

Further Update: Request for correction of Record of Proceedings (Hansard) 18th July 2017

Good Afternoon,

I have been contacted by the Queensland Audit Office.  They have confirmed that we did request an audit for the NGR project (and other things).

They have clarified that the QAG at the time the question was asked in Estimates was not aware that we had in fact requested an audit.

A letter explaining the circumstances will be sent to note this for the record of proceedings, that is an audit had been requested, albeit denied.

However fortunately later in Estimates on the 19th there was this short exchange.

Page 41 ... https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_07_19_EstimatesIPC.pdf

Ms TRAD: I wish they had negotiated the commercial contract for the New Generation
Rollingstock with the disability community before they signed off on specifications— )

This off hand comment by Ms Trad actually confirms what we were principally after with our audit request in March.  Was the design that Queensland went with for the NGR trains actually DDA compliant or not?  Appears they were not.  A manufacturer will only build to the design specifications submitted in our opinion.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

20th July 2017

Update: Request for correction of Record of Proceedings (Hansard) 18th July 2017

Good Morning,

To update you all.  I was advised by the Speaker's Office to forward my concerns direct to the Finance and Administration Committee.

Which I have done on the 19th July 2017, and have received an acknowledgement of receipt.

For interest the following story has been published in the Queensland Times  --> Dow calls for Hansard change after estimates answer

I am no constitutional lawyer, however I understand that misleading Estimates is the same as misleading Parliament, therefore it is not unreasonable to request that the record of proceedings (Hansard) be corrected in our view.

The New Generation Rollingstock ( a.k.a Not Going Right) trains project is an abject disaster!

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12854.msg195397#msg195397 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/888286896283033601

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

ABC --> Queensland Labor MP Jo-Ann Miller rules out running for Ipswich Mayor

Queensland appears to have two Opposition Leaders, the LNP's Tim Nicholls and ALP Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller.

In the first week of Estimates Hearings, Ms Miller has been a formidable force in holding her own political party to account.

She's defended her line of questioning, saying "I'm not one of the noddies".

Ms Miller had been widely tipped to run in the Ipswich Mayoral election, but has now confirmed she won't run.

MP3 > http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/radio/local_brisbane/audio/201707/aak-2017-07-24-joann-miller.mp3