ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry has accused public servants of misleading the government over the cost of repairing the Phillip Pool, which was ultimately demolished after estimates blew out from $4 million to over $10 million.
Minister claims misrepresentation
Speaking in the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Berry said that advice provided by the Education Directorate to the government was "misleading" and did not accurately reflect the true cost of refurbishing the pool. She stated that the initial $4 million estimate was based on a limited scope of work, and that the full extent of repairs was not communicated to decision-makers.
"The advice we received was not complete, and it led us to believe that the project could be delivered within a reasonable budget," Berry said. "It is unacceptable that public servants did not provide the full picture."
Background of the Phillip Pool saga
The Phillip Pool, a popular aquatic centre in Canberra's south, was closed in 2019 after structural issues were discovered. The government initially allocated $4 million for repairs, but by 2021, the estimated cost had ballooned to more than $10 million. In 2022, the government decided to demolish the facility rather than continue with the expensive refurbishment.
The decision to demolish sparked community outrage, with many residents calling for the pool to be saved. A petition gathered over 10,000 signatures, and local advocacy groups argued that the pool was an essential community asset.
Political fallout and opposition response
The opposition has seized on Berry's comments, accusing the government of mismanagement and attempting to shift blame onto public servants. Liberal MLA Elizabeth Lee said, "Minister Berry is trying to deflect responsibility for her own department's failures. The government should have been aware of the true costs from the beginning."
Berry has defended her position, stating that she is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within the Education Directorate. She has called for an independent review of how the cost estimates were prepared and presented.
Impact on community trust
The controversy has further eroded public trust in the ACT government's handling of infrastructure projects. Residents of Phillip and surrounding suburbs have expressed frustration over the loss of the pool, which served as a key recreational facility for families and schools.
"We were told the pool would be fixed, and then suddenly it was too expensive," said local resident Sarah Thompson. "Now we have nothing. It's a real disappointment."
Next steps
The government has not yet announced plans for the site, but Berry indicated that future community consultation would be undertaken. She also stressed that lessons must be learned from the Phillip Pool case to prevent similar situations from occurring in other projects.
The Education Directorate has declined to comment on Berry's allegations, citing the ongoing review.
