94 per cent of bus contracts signed, sealed and delivered

28/1/04

The vast majority of school bus contractors have now signed unqualified contract agreements with the State Government, bringing long-running negotiations to an end.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today reported a 94 per cent unqualified contract acceptance rate.

Ms MacTiernan said 667 of the 710 contracts were now unconditional.

Where agreement had not been reached, a competitive tender process would be called prior to the expiry of the current contract.

"I welcome the resolution of what has been a long-standing issue for successive governments," the Minister said.

"On the cusp of a new school year, this agreement provides certainty to the contractors, their drivers and the wider community."