[Peetwo]

The 'Murky Machiavellian' Reply - Dear Keith... "Up yours mate"  Luv Wazza c/o M&M

Almost gone but not forgotten -

The QON index for last Estimates was much belatedly released late last week and there is a number of QON on the record addressed to Murky's Aviation Airport Division.

Of interest are the following from Senator Gallacher & 'the Heff':

{Note: QON 107 needs the Hansard to understand the context of the question}

Senator GALLACHER: We had question on notice No. 114 about airport rates and the answer became, 'The department is aware that the following airports have notified disputed amounts from their local authorities—Sydney, Gold Coast, Jandakot, Hobart and Launceston—and the government is concerned there are unresolved disputes with interested parties to engage in a committed attempt to resolution.' Are you familiar with that question and answer?


Mr Mrdak : Yes.

Senator GALLACHER: So, with the number of councils that are currently in dispute with their board corporations over payment of rates, is that still the same number of airports that are currently in dispute?

Mr Wilson : Yes. I believe the number would be the same.

Senator GALLACHER: So, nothing has been resolved?

Mr Wilson : Not to my knowledge. I would add that as late as last week I met with Hobart international airport and Clarence Council to seek a resolution. I believe that we have an agreed way forward between those two parties. In September of this year I met with—

Senator GALLACHER: Perhaps if you let me ask the questions you might not have to answer me.

Mr Wilson : I am sorry.

Senator GALLACHER: I have about six series of questions here. We are still in disputes at airports. Are you aware of MPs making representations to the department or the deputy prime minister in relation to this issue?

Mr Wilson : Yes.

Senator GALLACHER: You are aware of that. Who are they? Do you know?

Mr Wilson : There has been a range of MPs make representations to the minister.

Senator GALLACHER: So, what actions, if any, are the department aware of the deputy prime minister taking to address this issue or help resolve it?

Mr Mrdak : As a result of those representations we have offered that the department seek to mediate or find a way forward between the parties. Firstly, we have been providing clarification to parties about the intent and purpose of the clauses in the airport lease.

Senator GALLACHER: I understand the department is trying to resolve it. What is the deputy prime minister doing to address this issue or help resolve it?

Mr Mrdak : The deputy prime minister has specifically asked the department to step into these matters and offer assistance, and that is what we have been doing.

Senator GALLACHER: Is the department aware of the deputy prime minister receiving any requests to meet with council representatives in relation to this issue?

Mr Mrdak : Yes.

Senator GALLACHER: Has the deputy prime minister personally met with any council representatives in relation to this issue?

Mr Mrdak : The deputy prime minister meets with councils often. I think in relation to this specific matter he has asked that the department handle the matter, given that it comes down to a commercial negotiation between parties. As a first step he has been happy for the department to see if we can find a way forward.

Senator GALLACHER: Whilst I accept that the deputy prime minister will meet with whomever he chooses, including council representatives, has the deputy prime minister personally met with any council representatives in relation to this issue?

Mr Mrdak : I would have to take that on notice and check.

Senator GALLACHER: Can the department confirm there is a legal liability for airport corporations to pay rates equivalent?

Mr Wilson : Yes. There is a legal obligation between the Commonwealth and the airports to pay ex gratia rates.

Senator GALLACHER: What is the government's role in resolving these disputes?
Mr Wilson : As I was outlining before and as Mr Mrdak has indicated, we are currently seeking to negotiate agreements between certain councils and a number of airports.

Senator GALLACHER: Can we get a copy of the letter from the secretary of the department outlining their obligations as per answer to question 114.5? - QON 107

Mr Mrdak : Yes.
Mr Wilson : Yes.


P2 - I get the strong impression that Sir Gallacher hasn't got much time for Bureaucrat Wilson & his weasel words - 

 
&..

QON 108 - CHAIR: The other thing is we have received from Mr Mrdak evidence earlier that in relation to the floodplain clause 30 of the lease regarding state laws does not apply. Only the Airports Act applies. We now have a letter that sort of contradicts that proposition, that the tenants of the lease have to comply with state law. Would you like to see that as well?


Mr Mrdak: I am happy to and we will provide advice on that, yes.

Written QON 111 from NX was also of interest:

A pilot association is concerned about a number of aspects of the National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group (NASAG) Guideline B, which relates to building-induced turbulence at airports.

Accepting that creating the National Airports Safeguarding Networks (‘NASF’) was a significant achievement, are you planning to build on that process with a post-implementation review (or some other mechanism) to ensure that the Framework and Guidelines remain relevant and up to date?

MTF..P2