Gillard fails to explain why Eungai Public was dudded through BER waste and mismanagement

March 15, 2010

Outrage over the failure of the Rudd Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) to deliver value for money for Eungai Public School has been raised in the Federal Parliament.

Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, today questioned Federal Education Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, on the gross mismanagement of the program.  Mr Hartsuyker brought to the Parliament’s attention how Eungai Public had received a $925,000 grant for ‘like for like’ replacement of two existing demountable classrooms.

“The old classrooms had new air conditioning units, interactive whiteboards and all weather access,” Mr Hartsuyker questioned the Minister in the Parliament. "The new classrooms are not air conditioned, do not have new interactive whiteboards and no covered walkways. Minister, these buildings could have been constructed for a fraction of the cost and the P and C are concerned it does not represent value for money.  If the Minister is not responsible for scandalous waste and mismanagement of taxpayer’s money like that at Eungai, who is?,” the Federal Member for Cowper asked the Minister.

Mr Hartsuyker said Ms Gillard could not answer the question.  “The Minister failed to provide an explanation as to why the school did not receive the full scope of works, as promised, and how the cost of two buildings came to $925,000.  “The school can not see where the value for money is and I certainly agree with the school. We need to know where the money has gone. The Minister must explain why schools such as Eungai have been dudded and why taxpayer’s money has been wasted.”

Mr Hartsuyker said other schools in the Cowper electorate had also contacted him with concerns about the waste of money and poor outcomes as a result of the BER program.

“This is also being reflected in other parts of the nation. School communities are frustrated because they have been told what the money must be spent on and then they see buildings constructed at vastly inflated prices. The Eungai case is particularly bad because the school has finished up with a lot less than promised, despite the $925,000 being spent.”