Transcript - Interview with ABC 666 Canberra Breakfast

ADAM SHIRLEY: The National Capital Authority is a pretty important institution because it represents and oversees projects that are of national significance in the parliamentary triangle and some inner areas of Canberra. And that has to work together with as much as possible what the ACT Government of the day is trying to do. Sally Barnes announced earlier this year she was finishing up in the post. And today the Federal Government has announced the appointment of Karen Doran as the new Chief Executive of the NCA. I spoke with the Minister at the head of that selection panel and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, just before 830.

KRISTY MCBAIN: Karen brings extensive experience in public sector leadership roles, from governance to overseeing project delivery. She's a local, which is always a bonus. She loves Canberra and it's her home. She ticked a lot of boxes for us and we're really excited that she will commence that role and I look forward to working with her.

SHIRLEY: What were you and the government looking for as far as replacing Sally Barnes and given the really crucial, literally central role that the NCA has for Canberra?

MCBAIN: Obviously, her public sector experience is really important. She's delivered major projects and events in the ACT already, and we want to make sure that there's a strong collaborative working relationship with the ACT Government as well as with the federal government. Karen's got a brilliant mix of all the things that we're looking for and we're really excited that she will be taking up that role.

SHIRLEY: Well, that brings front and centre her work. I'm presuming as Director General in Transport Canberra City Services, and Major Projects in things like potential light rail stage two, a potential new Canberra Stadium, a potential new Canberra Hospital. How much inside working knowledge does she have of those key infrastructure projects?

MCBAIN: She's got a range of experience across Transport Canberra and City Services, Treasury, land and economic development, as well as health, justice and community safety. The important thing for us is that she's had hands on experience and brings a fresh approach to things. It's really great that we've been able to put her in this role, because for me, making sure we've got people who can bring a new approach now that Sally Barnes has finished up her tenure is important. Sally has done a fantastic job over her period at the NCA, but it's great that Karen's on board and can lead the organisation into the future with some big potential infrastructure projects happening across Canberra.

SHIRLEY: Well, let's go straight to the key one, which often divides opinion. Light rail stage two. I presume she has a detailed working knowledge of where that project's at, the likelihood that it will actually happen. As a federal government, have you deliberately sought her out because you want to see realistically whether that project can be built to Woden or not?

MCBAIN: No, Karen applied through a merits-based process. We didn't go headhunting anyone. She brought the right mix of experience to the job. The potential additional Canberra stadium, the revitalisation of Commonwealth Park, are all things that are potentially happening around the nation's capital. We want somebody who's got a few ideas about how we can get those projects potentially off and running, or look at how we can do them differently.

SHIRLEY: Well, on that, has she given you an idea of what the cost might be for light rail stage two and whether you, as a federal government and a Member from this near region are willing to stump up the money for it?

MCBAIN: That's a matter for the ACT Government and they bring their proposals directly to the federal government for funding. There is a process for that. We haven't had those conversations directly about.

SHIRLEY: Do you anticipate you will?

MCBAIN: If there is an approach by the ACT Government into the future, that will be a matter for Treasury and Finance to determine. Karen's role in the NCA is to make sure that it fits with the Griffin plan, and that the heritage and the beauty of Canberra isn't disturbed as part of any potential changes.

SHIRLEY: The Federal Minister for Regional Development and the Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain is our guest. Adam Shirley with you on breakfast too. Seaplanes soon to land on Lake Burley Griffin, maybe floating saunas. These were all proposed and are projects in the works under previous CEO of the NCA, Sally Barnes. So, what update can you give us on those?

MCBAIN: The seaplanes have gone through a trial period. There's been a number of studies and I believe that they're looking at kicking off, which adds another tourism element to the nation's capital and easy access to some of our national collecting institutions, which I think is fabulous for some of those people who really would love to come and see what Canberra has to offer. There are a number of proposals that are put to the NCA and they go through the process of determining whether they are possible or feasible. Karen will continue that process of working with stakeholders across the community.

SHIRLEY: You commented earlier that she might well give you insights in act projects that could be done differently, maybe to a different price tag. Can I take from that, that the Federal Government is hoping to see from the ACT Government a couple of options on their flagship ideas, such as the new hospital, such as light rail stage two.

MCBAIN: Karen's role in the NCA is really about making sure that we adhere to the Griffin plan, that there is good collaboration with the ACT Government, that it's in keeping with the government's vision of the day about how we continue to grow our nation's capital. She will not have a direct involvement in how these projects are being put to the federal government. She'll be providing advice as to the legislative instrument in which the NCA works and reporting back to the federal government.

SHIRLEY: I'd argue a key conduit, though, between ACT Government from where she's come, after many years experience, then into the federal realm, to people like yourself. Do you anticipate we might get more clarity, a bit more speed on whether these projects are viable and then how they'll be?

MCBAIN: It's up to the ACT Government to put forward their own project proposals and provide us with the necessary business cases, like any other jurisdiction across the country. Karen's role is going to be one of collaboration, and coming back to us to provide advice on how that fits, particularly with the Griffin plan.

SHIRLEY: Briefly, another matter that affects your constituents, and I'm talking about in the Yass Valley. Obviously, a week on now that Yass residents and those in surrounding towns have not been able to drink any water directly out of the tap, we've been speaking about it on breakfast a bit. The costs, approximately $40 million, say local councils, to get a proper treatment plant for the Yass Valley. Is it acceptable that Yass and surrounding towns are in this situation?

MCBAIN: No. It's incredibly frustrating for Yass locals. This isn't just an issue that's boiled over this last week. It's been happening for some time now. There is a need to improve water quality in the Yass Valley and progressing long term solutions is something that I've called for since I became the Member in 2020. I've reiterated that to Yass Valley Council this week, along with the importance of identifying a solution. It's ultimately the responsibility that sits with Yass and the NSW Government, but it's time that it is dealt with and I'm really looking forward to continuing to work with the state and council on what those solutions look like.

SHIRLEY: Well, on that point, your NSW Labor colleagues made an election promise to the tune of $13.5 million to build a proper treatment plant. That leaves a deficit of what, approximately $25 million. Will the federal government kick in that money to give people water they can actually drink out of a tap?

MCBAIN: I credit the Minns’ Labor Government for committing $13.5 million dollars over four years to help deliver some major upgrades. In the twelve years of the state Liberal-National Government we saw indecision, inaction, and then just complete lack of clarity over what they were going…

SHIRLEY: Sorry to interrupt. That was then, this is now. Will the federal government look at kicking in $25 million to help Yass residents and surrounds get water they can drink out of the tap?

MCBAIN: It's important that we continue to work with Yass Valley Council and the NSW Office of Water about the ways that we can help them with the water treatment plant. We need to know what they exactly need, and how they want to come to it. It's important for them to identify that and then work with us on it.

SHIRLEY: That's Kristy McBain, the Federal Minister for Regional Development and MP for Eden-Monaro earlier.