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Committee’s report

The committee tabled its Report No. 36, 57th Parliament - Inquiry into the Cairns TAFE Upgrade Project on 30 August 2023.

View: Report

ABOUT THE INQUIRY

On 24 October 2022, the Education, Employment and Training Committee resolved to conduct a public works inquiry into the Cairns TAFE Upgrade Project completed in 2021. The project comprised: 

• improvements to specialised teaching spaces and campus navigation
• upgrades to the B Block workshop and installation of a new solar power system
• upgrades to the S Block hair, beauty and hospitality precinct and customer service point
• creation of a new Banggu Minjaany Art Gallery space
• replacement of the air-conditioning chiller in K Block, and
• other supporting infrastructure upgrades including electrical switchboards and transformer replacements.

The project commenced on 18 April 2019 with a total budget of $18.59 million. 

The terms of reference for the inquiry, in accordance with section 94 of the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001, are to examine the Cairns TAFE Upgrade Project and report to the parliament on:

1. the stated purpose of the works and the apparent suitability of the works for the purpose; and
2. the necessity for, and the advisability of, the works; and
3. value for money achieved, or likely to be achieved, by the works; and
4. revenue produced by, and recurrent costs of, the works or estimates of revenue and costs for the works; and
5. the present and prospective public value of the works, including, for example, consideration of the impact of the works on the community, economy and environment; and
6. procurement methods for the works; and
7. the balance of public and private sector involvement in the works; and
8. the performance of — 
   (i)  the constructing authority for the works; and
   (ii)  the consultants and contractors for the works; 
   with particular regard to the time taken for finishing the works and the cost and quality of the works; and
9. the actual suitability of the works in meeting the needs and in achieving the stated purpose of the works.

Call for submissions

Submissions closed on 23 January 2023.

PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS

Community forums were held in Cairns on 10 July and Thursday Island on 11 July 2023. 

A public hearing and public departmental briefing were held on 14 July 2023. 

See the timeline below for further information. 

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Timeline