A parliamentary question reveals that the Department of Health purchased one Amazon Echo Dot for $495 to assist patients with disabilities in managing daily tasks at home. Other agencies under the Minister's portfolio reported no such purchases.

AnsweredQoN 3168Legislative Assembly
Asked
12 June 2018
Portfolio
Deputy Premier; Minister for Health; Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

In respect of the Minister's portfolio responsibilities for any ministerial offices, departments, agencies, government trading enterprises or boards, I ask: (a) were any smart speakers (i.e. Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, Google Home) purchased in this 2017-18 financial year; and (b) if yes, what was the model, price and intended purpose of each smart speaker purchased?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 August 2018
Response time
9 days
For the Department of Health and health service providers I am advised:
(a) Yes. 1 Smart Speaker was purchased.
(b) Model: Amazon Echo Dot
Price: $495.00 (inc GST)
Intended Purpose: This item was purchased to assist patients such as a person with quadriplegia to manage in their home.
Devices are customised to the needs of the patients and allows them to voice/activate requests via Google to perform daily tasks such as:
These items are purchased through the Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP) as clinically identified.
The Mental Health Commission advises:
(a) No.
(b) Not applicable.
Health & Disability Services Complaints Office advises:
(a) No.
(b) Not applicable.
Healthway advises:
(a) No.
(b) Not applicable.
Animal Resources Authority advises:
(a) No.
(b) Not applicable.
Ministerial Office advises:
(a) No.
(b) Not applicable.

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