❓ A WA parliamentary question regarding funding for the Marnja Jarndu Women's Refuge in Broome. The Minister clarifies funding arrangements, addresses concerns about service delivery, and outlines discussions for long-term solutions.
AnsweredQoN 841Legislative Assembly
Asked
27 March 2002
Member
Portfolio
Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth
QuestionView source ↗
Further to my question last week regarding the Marnja Jarndu Women’s Refuge in Broome, which is the only such refuge in the town, and has been operating for 13 years, I ask - (1) Can the minister confirm that she has rejected a second application from the refuge for a small increase in funding, and instead extended the same level of funding for a period of only three months? (2) Can the minister confirm that she told representatives from the refuge that she expects the refuge to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years? Ms McHALE
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
(1) Can the minister confirm that she has rejected a second application from the refuge for a small increase in funding, and instead extended the same level of funding for a period of only three months? (2) Can the minister confirm that she told representatives from the refuge that she expects the refuge to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years? Ms McHALE replied: (1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
(2) Can the minister confirm that she told representatives from the refuge that she expects the refuge to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years? Ms McHALE replied: (1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms McHALE replied: (1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
(1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
(1) Can the minister confirm that she has rejected a second application from the refuge for a small increase in funding, and instead extended the same level of funding for a period of only three months? (2) Can the minister confirm that she told representatives from the refuge that she expects the refuge to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years? Ms McHALE replied: (1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
(2) Can the minister confirm that she told representatives from the refuge that she expects the refuge to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years? Ms McHALE replied: (1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms McHALE replied: (1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
(1)-(2) I met with the chairperson and another committee member of the women’s refuge on Sunday. It was a very positive meeting, and I was very pleased with the progress of discussions. The committee came back to me and asked for an extension of the service agreement for three months, and I was very happy to grant that extension. During this three-month period further discussions will take place between the committee and the Department for Community Development to progress a number of issues that were discussed at my meeting on Sunday. I am happy to reveal those issues to the member for Carine, but I will comment first on the second part of her question. I am not sure where she gets her information from, because I have certainly not indicated to the committee that the refuge will have to continue to deliver 24-hour staffed care at current funding levels for the next three years. The committee members and I had a discussion about some of the rumours around the town about staffing levels, and I made it very clear that staffing the women’s refuge on a 24-hour basis was essential. There is no doubt that women’s refuges need to be staffed on a 24-hour basis because of the sorts of clients they deal with and the services they provide. They agreed with me entirely. That was not an issue. We were in total agreement that a women’s refuge needs to be staffed 24 hours a day. Ms Hodson-Thomas: They currently deliver a 24-hour service. Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms McHALE: The refuge is currently contracted to provide a 24-hour service. It is delivering enormously valuable services to the community of Broome. I made that clear to those committee members. It is a great service. It is well regarded and well supported by the Department for Community Development. The women’s refuge receives $330 000 per annum for the refuge service and a further $96 000 for the outreach service. The committee chairperson and I reached a joint agreement. The joint outcome from our meeting was that the service agreement would be extended for three months. During that time we would discuss how the ongoing services would be delivered. I also indicated that they had some uncommitted funds from 1999-2000, and I would be willing to look at how they could use them. They were happy to receive that assurance. Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms Hodson-Thomas: How much is that? Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Ms McHALE: I cannot remember the exact figure, but it is about $13 000. The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
The second issue that we discussed was their projection for workers compensation coverage of $28 000. We had done our research and indicated that they could get workers compensation coverage for around $10 000 to $16 000, and they agreed. Through the process of discussion we were able to identify areas that would bring down their projected budget for 2002-03. Already there could be savings of around $12 000 simply by getting workers compensation cover down to $16 000 or below. They were very happy with that. The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
The third issue that we discussed was the long-term need for better premises. At the moment they are located in high-cost premises. They pay for that out of their DCD funding. I said that a long-term strategy would be to look at applying for a cap grant for purpose-built premises. In the long term that would relieve some of the pressures on their budget. They had given scant consideration to that. They committed to discussing this with the Department of Housing and Works and to look at a grant for the long-term viability of such a project. It was a productive meeting. We looked at a range of options and they were prepared to explore those options with the department. I am optimistic. The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
The fourth issue we discussed was how the two services - the women’s refuge and the outreach services - could work in a more streamlined way and whether there were synergies between the two services that would help manage the budget. Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
Our joint response after that meeting was that it was very positive and a number of options could be looked at. I will be monitoring this very closely. I have no doubt that the women’s refuge will continue to provide its services in the way that it has in an area of very high need.
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