Gunner to change government grant rules following Darwin Turf Club controversy

THE Chief Minister has revealed plans to change government grant rules after releasing findings into the controversial decision over Darwin Turf Club’s $12 million grandstand tender

The new three-level stand with private corporate boxes will be built where the Ted D’Ambrosio bar is located and will have a walkway connecting it to the Ted Bailey Grandstand. Picture: Supplied

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has revealed plans to change government grant rules after today releasing the findings into the controversial decision over Darwin Turf Club’s $12 million grandstand tender.

It was revealed last week that a construction tender to build the $12 million three-level stand had been awarded to Jaytex Constructions, a company owned by DTC chairman Brett Dixon.

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner has received advice from the chief executive officer of the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation regarding the $12 million Darwin Turf Club tender.

He said findings from the department, 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”.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has released the government’s findings regarding the Darwin Turf Club’s awarding a construction contract to Jaytex Constructions. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

“In this instance the Turf Club has complied with all the processes and conditions required under the grant but I do believe we can manage better in the future,” Mr Gunner said.

“I don’t believe the allocation of the tender in this instance met public expectations about how potential perceived conflicts should be handled.

“These grant conditions in future will be stronger to allow the government to manage that.”

These changes to capital grants tendering are:

— The NT 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 subcontractor

The Chief Minister said he has also instructed that there be an ongoing process to manage all potential conflicts during construction of the $12 million grandstand and the Darwin Turf Club has complied with this instruction.