Yes, it's usual to make sure that you have the authority for an expenditure before you are in a position to have to sign a contract to spend the money.
Charles Dent on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on October 25th, 2004. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
October 24th, 2004
Page 973
See context to find out what was said next.