❓ The Minister for Health defends the Serco contract for Fiona Stanley Hospital, arguing that infection outbreaks are complex and not solely the responsibility of cleaning staff, while also criticizing the opposition's stance and highlighting their past dealings with Serco.
AnsweredQoN 458Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FIONA STANLEY HOSPITAL — SERCO CONTRACT
I refer to page 15 of the facilities management services contract for Fiona Stanley Hospital regarding excusing clauses that effectively relieve Serco of any risk or performance penalties when a superbug outbreak occurs, pending the identification of its cause. (1) Why has the minister allowed such a loose provision of the contract providing Serco and its subcontractors with the ultimate out clause, when they should be taking full responsibility for infection outbreaks in Fiona Stanley Hospital? (2) What is the mechanism by which the minister will determine who is responsible for infection outbreaks? Dr K.D. HAMES
I refer to page 15 of the facilities management services contract for Fiona Stanley Hospital regarding excusing clauses that effectively relieve Serco of any risk or performance penalties when a superbug outbreak occurs, pending the identification of its cause. (1) Why has the minister allowed such a loose provision of the contract providing Serco and its subcontractors with the ultimate out clause, when they should be taking full responsibility for infection outbreaks in Fiona Stanley Hospital? (2) What is the mechanism by which the minister will determine who is responsible for infection outbreaks? Dr K.D. HAMES
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
(1) Why has the minister allowed such a loose provision of the contract providing Serco and its subcontractors with the ultimate out clause, when they should be taking full responsibility for infection outbreaks in Fiona Stanley Hospital? (2) What is the mechanism by which the minister will determine who is responsible for infection outbreaks? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
(2) What is the mechanism by which the minister will determine who is responsible for infection outbreaks? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Dr K.D. HAMES replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
(1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
(1) Why has the minister allowed such a loose provision of the contract providing Serco and its subcontractors with the ultimate out clause, when they should be taking full responsibility for infection outbreaks in Fiona Stanley Hospital? (2) What is the mechanism by which the minister will determine who is responsible for infection outbreaks? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
(2) What is the mechanism by which the minister will determine who is responsible for infection outbreaks? Dr K.D. HAMES replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Dr K.D. HAMES replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
I thank the member for the question. (1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
(1)–(2) To understand the answer to that question, the member has to have a reasonable understanding of how hospitals work, and a good understanding of the medical aspects of how infections are transmitted and distributed within hospitals. I can tell the member for Kwinana that in most cases it is not the fault of the staff who are working in our hospitals that there is an outbreak of infection or, in fact, the distribution through that hospital of an infection. It is very often the case that people come into the hospitals as carriers of a particular organism, and as a result of that person, often unknowingly, bringing that particular infection into the hospital that it is spread. In effect, the member is suggesting that our cleaning staff at Royal Perth Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital should take personal responsibility for any outbreak of infection. That is an absolute nonsense. Infections happen in hospitals. Our hospitals have one of the lowest rates of infections in hospitals anywhere in the world, and often the responsibility is across the system. Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Do we have an increased risk of infection in our private hospitals, where cleaning staff also work? If there is an infection in our private hospitals, do we go to the people responsible for cleaning those hospitals and say, “This is your fault. You should have stopped this from happening”? Absolutely not! What an absolute nonsense. I am glad that we are talking a little about the contract, because there has been criticism of the Serco contract, with the opposition acting as puppets for the union. I was very interested to look at Serco contracts and what was published — Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Mr R.H. Cook : I think I would rather be a puppet for the AMA! The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! As I have said in this place on several occasions, there are opportunities to ask supplementary questions, as perhaps a better way of demonstrating what you might want to ask. I am formally going to call you to order for the first time. Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Dr K.D. HAMES : We have seen criticism of what was put online. I was waiting yesterday to debate what was put online with the Serco contract. I am looking forward to that, because I have some notes here from the late Mr John D’Orazio, who under the former government signed the Acacia Prison contract to appoint Serco dated 16 May 2006. The Labor Party under the guidance — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
The SPEAKER : I would like hear the answer to the question. Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Dr K.D. HAMES : The world’s greatest Treasurer at the time, who is now the Leader of the Opposition, was in charge of running the Treasury when expressions of interest were called for Acacia Prison. Serco put in an application. The Labor Party appointed Serco to take over that contract. Did the Labor government go back to running the prison with government staff? No, it went to a reputable company called Serco. What did they do with the contract? They put it online. Well done. Did they put all the contract online? No, they did not. What did they leave off? They left off exactly the bits that we have left off—exactly the same bits! I am very much looking forward to having this debate when it is brought on as private members’ business next time.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.