BER Taskforce Final Report: $16.2 billion BER program delivers poor quality and lack of value for money projects

The Final Report of the Building the Education Revolution (BER) Implementation Taskforce, which was released last month, confirms the extent of waste and overspending in this program – including in the electorate of Bradfield – Member for Bradfield, Paul Fletcher, said today.

“The Taskforce found, across its First and Final Reports, that:

-          The BER project at Gordon East Public was rated  as ‘fail’;  and

-          The BER project at Pymble Public School was rated as ‘marginal’ value for money.”

“The Taskforce scored Pymble Public School 2 out of 10 on cost, and Gordon East as 0 out of 10 for cost.”

“The Taskforce pointed out that Pymble Public School is getting new classrooms built outside of the BER program, ‘at substantially lower cost’”.

“The Taskforce’s estimate of the premium paid for BER projects – that being 5-6 per cent – implies that some $900 million was wasted nationally.”

In Bradfield complaints were lodged about Gordon East Public School, Pymble Public School Gordon West Public School, St Ives Primary School and Turramurra Public School.”

“Of the 80 detailed value for money assessments undertaken for the Final Report, 46 of those projects – 61 per cent – did not pass.”

“I am writing to all P&C Associations in Bradfield, to highlight the key conclusions of the Final Report, and to seek input on any matters still requiring attention,” said Mr Fletcher.

Media Contact – Georgia-Kate Schubert 02 9465 3950 or 0414 210216