Demanding a fair deal on ring road contracts

27 JULY 2015: JOBS and contracts generated by the Mackay Ring Road Project need to flow to Mackay workers and Mackay businesses, and contractors have the right to expect they will be paid a competitive rate. Reports that local contractors working on the Townsville Ring Road were struggling to make a profit due to the existence of  ‘middle men’ in the tender process is a concern and a warning. We cannot have a repeat of the situation which occurred in Townsville, where there are claims local contractors were being paid substantially less than the Brisbane entity which sub-contracted the work.I have written to my Federal colleague, Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss, as well as the state Minister for Roads Mark Bailey, to state that this situation needs to be addressed. We understand that projects need to be delivered as economically as possible. However, locally-based contractors need to be offered a fair go in any tendering processes, and they have a right to expect consideration for the job at a rate that is economically viable for them.  I have asked that the type of tender process adopted needs to reconsidered, as it has been stated that the previous state LNP government opted for a price tender, rather than an alliance tender which ensures a more collaborative approach with government. Regardless of who did what in relation to Townsville, I’m determined to ensure we don’t face a repeat of this in Mackay.