DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE — PINDAN
1113. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the minister representing the
Minister for Finance:
I refer to comments attributed to
the Minister for Health about the construction of Northam Hospital and the
contracted builder, Pindan, that it is facing some financial difficulties that
is requiring oversight in relation to project management.
(1) Is the Minister for Finance
aware of Pindan encountering any financial difficulties?
(2) What oversight or control
measures are in place to manage these issues?
(3) If, indeed,
the Minister for Health is accurate in his assessment of Pindan, why is it that
the state government just yesterday hailed a project to transfer land to RSLWA
to enable a Pindan construction project for a revamped Anzac House?
(4) Has the
minister informed RSLWA of the state government's concerns about the
financial capability of Pindan?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(4) In
March 2018, it was publicly reported that Pindan had experienced financial
difficulties as a result of the late settlement of several properties. The
Department of Finance subsequently met with senior representatives of the
company to better understand the nature and extent of the issues. In parallel,
the department increased its monitoring of subcontractor payments and the company's
performance against agreed project milestones. Although it is understood that
these issues have since been resolved, the department continues to monitor the
company closely and notes today's article in The West Australian
about its profitability. Should further concerns about the company arise, the
department will consult with relevant stakeholders accordingly.