The terms of reference for the inquiry were advertised in the national press. The former PAEC appointed a Sub-Committee to conduct the inquiry.
Letters seeking submissions were sent to government departments involved in public private partnership (PPP) projects, academics, financial institutions, peak business and community organisations, and other interested parties. The Sub-Committee received 36 submissions. A list of submissions is contained in appendix 2.
The Sub-Committee also took evidence at a number of briefings and public hearings in Melbourne. A list of the hearings and the witnesses who gave evidence appears at appendix 3.
The 54th Parliament was prorogued on 5 November 2002, causing the inquiry to lapse. On 22 April 2003 the newly appointed Public Accounts and Estimates Committee of the 55th Parliament resolved to complete the inquiry, but postponed work because of other priorities.
This Committee received a further eight submissions and took evidence from witnesses in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, and from selected countries overseas. Details are at appendices 2 and 3.
The evidence gained from discussions with government officials, auditors-general, academics, peak industry, union and community groups, and parliamentary officials provided the Committee with valuable insight and information that enhanced its understanding of the many technical and complex issues addressed during this inquiry.
The government appointed Peter Fitzgerald to review infrastructure projects undertaken by Partnerships Victoria in August 2003. This report was tabled in January 2004 and the government indicated that it supported the majority of the recommendations. The Committee has taken into account the matters raised by the Fitzgerald report.