❓ A parliamentary question regarding the financial viability of Great Mates Ltd, a company contracted by the Department for Child Protection, and the due diligence undertaken before contracting them. The Minister responds, outlining the due diligence process and the financial impact of the company's liquidation.
AnsweredQoN 645Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION - GREAT MATES LTD
I refer to Great Mates Ltd, a private company paid to look after children in the care of the Department for Child Protection, which went into voluntary liquidation earlier this month. (1) Is the minister aware that administrator Ferrier Hodgson reportedly understands that the company has been insolvent since at least June 2004? (2) Given the need for the continuity of care for children at risk, was any due diligence undertaken to establish the financial status and viability of the company at the time it was first contracted to provide services to the department, and, if not, why not; and, if so, what does this encompass? (3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY
I refer to Great Mates Ltd, a private company paid to look after children in the care of the Department for Child Protection, which went into voluntary liquidation earlier this month. (1) Is the minister aware that administrator Ferrier Hodgson reportedly understands that the company has been insolvent since at least June 2004? (2) Given the need for the continuity of care for children at risk, was any due diligence undertaken to establish the financial status and viability of the company at the time it was first contracted to provide services to the department, and, if not, why not; and, if so, what does this encompass? (3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(1) Is the minister aware that administrator Ferrier Hodgson reportedly understands that the company has been insolvent since at least June 2004? (2) Given the need for the continuity of care for children at risk, was any due diligence undertaken to establish the financial status and viability of the company at the time it was first contracted to provide services to the department, and, if not, why not; and, if so, what does this encompass? (3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(2) Given the need for the continuity of care for children at risk, was any due diligence undertaken to establish the financial status and viability of the company at the time it was first contracted to provide services to the department, and, if not, why not; and, if so, what does this encompass? (3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(1) Is the minister aware that administrator Ferrier Hodgson reportedly understands that the company has been insolvent since at least June 2004? (2) Given the need for the continuity of care for children at risk, was any due diligence undertaken to establish the financial status and viability of the company at the time it was first contracted to provide services to the department, and, if not, why not; and, if so, what does this encompass? (3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(2) Given the need for the continuity of care for children at risk, was any due diligence undertaken to establish the financial status and viability of the company at the time it was first contracted to provide services to the department, and, if not, why not; and, if so, what does this encompass? (3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(3) When did the department, the then minister and the current minister become aware that the company was insolvent? (4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(4) What is the full amount of money provided by the Department for Child Protection to Great Mates? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(1) Yes, I have seen yesterday’s media report that makes that claim. (2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(2) A due diligence process to establish the financial status and viability was undertaken prior to first contracting this agency, and this was in accordance with the department’s procurement policy and was consistent with State Supply Commission policy. The agency was first contracted to deliver services from the second half of 2001. Prior to that, a financial viability assessment was undertaken based on a study of an independent audit report for the year ending 30 June 2000 and the financial statements provided by Great Mates Ltd for the year ending 30 June 2001. (3) The Department for Child Protection was advised on 8 August 2007 that Great Mates Ltd had gone into voluntary liquidation and would be ceasing operation on Friday, 10 August 2007. On 8 August 2007, the department prepared a briefing that was lodged with my office and signed by me on 10 August 2007. I met with the department on 8 August and Great Mates was on the agenda for that day, so there was a verbal discussion between me and members of the department on that day. (4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
(4) Services were provided by Great Mates in Western Australia over a period of six financial years from 2001-02 to 2007-08. During this period, the department paid a total of approximately $13.4 million for these services. I take this opportunity to assure the honourable member that the department has incurred only modest liabilities from this private company going into voluntary liquidation. We have had to pay Anglicare WA, which has taken over responsibility for providing care to these children, an amount of about $100 000 that was paid for services for the last period that this company operated. An additional payment has been made to Anglicare WA for the temporary delivery of refuge services.
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