❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the state government's response to the Apache Energy gas plant explosion and its impact on employment. The government outlines actions taken, including establishing a working group, a hotline, and engaging with Centrelink and financial institutions.
AnsweredQoN 594Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
APACHE ENERGY GAS PLANT EXPLOSION — IMPACT ON EMPLOYMENT
I refer to the pending employment crisis from the Apache Energy gas disaster. (1) What assistance is the state government going to provide to workers who have been stood down from their current employment? (2) What has the government put in place at Centrelink for those who have lost their jobs, whether permanently or in the short term? (3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD
I refer to the pending employment crisis from the Apache Energy gas disaster. (1) What assistance is the state government going to provide to workers who have been stood down from their current employment? (2) What has the government put in place at Centrelink for those who have lost their jobs, whether permanently or in the short term? (3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(1) What assistance is the state government going to provide to workers who have been stood down from their current employment? (2) What has the government put in place at Centrelink for those who have lost their jobs, whether permanently or in the short term? (3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(2) What has the government put in place at Centrelink for those who have lost their jobs, whether permanently or in the short term? (3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(1) What assistance is the state government going to provide to workers who have been stood down from their current employment? (2) What has the government put in place at Centrelink for those who have lost their jobs, whether permanently or in the short term? (3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(2) What has the government put in place at Centrelink for those who have lost their jobs, whether permanently or in the short term? (3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(3) What has the government put in place at Anglicare Financial Counselling Service and other non-government financial counselling providers? (4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(4) Will the government be calling together all the agencies that help people in crisis to discuss what could be done at a state level? (5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(5) What discussions have been held with the banking sector in WA? (6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(6) The government has set up two response groups—one to handle the social consequences and another to take phone calls from retrenched workers. Which department are those response groups coming out of and what are the names and qualifications of the people in those response groups? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
I thank Hon Robyn McSweeney for some notice of the question. (1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
(1)-(6) At present a working group has been established to respond to any emerging social and employment issues that arise from the energy shortage. The working group has met twice in the last five days and my office is in the process of scheduling meetings with both the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. The first priority of this working group is to identify the quantum of people who will be affected over the short and medium terms so that appropriate responses can be initiated. I have requested that as part of this process the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection initiate dialogue with relevant non-government organisations and their peak body, the Western Australian Council of Social Service. The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
The Western Australian government has established a hotline to assist employers and employees with employment-related queries arising from the energy shortage in WA: 1300 790 636. The hotline service will assist affected parties to identify and understand the application of employment laws and available lawful options to their circumstances. The service will also advise people who are experiencing credit hardship on their rights and options. Currently, only three calls have been received. The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
The hotline service on employment-related matters is provided by the labour relations division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Officers attached to the department’s Wageline service, who are experienced in responding to employment-related queries, are delivering the service. As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
As the Premier stated last week, the commonwealth has made it clear that it is prepared to support the recovery effort and to make available assistance to those businesses and employees that are genuinely disadvantaged. The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
The Western Australian government is working with Centrelink to identify the number of individuals requiring assistance. Centrelink is a member of the state’s recovery group and is available to provide services to people affected by the gas supply disruption. The recovery committee is identifying the impact and will recommend the government’s ameliorating actions. Centrelink has advised my office that all state offices have been briefed regarding the energy shortage to expedite all appropriate responses. I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
I am informed by the Minister for Consumer Protection that the consumer protection division of DOCEP has held telephone discussions with the following organisations to advise of the gas shortage and to seek their assistance in promptly responding to credit hardship relief applications: the Australian Finance Conference, the Association of Building Societies and Credit Unions, the Australian Banking Association, the Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and the Credit Ombudsman Service Ltd. I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
I am also informed that the Minister for Consumer Protection has recently written to each of these bodies to reinforce the significance of the situation and the need for the credit and debt industries to provide assistance to consumers who apply for hardship variations in a fair, timely and sympathetic way.
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Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.