❓ Hon. Giz Watson questions the impact of the Westcare contract takeover on 39 workers with disabilities. Hon. Simon O’Brien deflects responsibility to the Minister for Health and the Commonwealth government, while expressing concern and advocating for Westcare.
AnsweredQoN 576Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WESTCARE CONTRACT — Department of Health
I refer to the takeover of the Westcare contract for the printing, warehousing and distribution of forms within the Western Australian Department of Health by Moore Business Systems Australia Ltd, which I understand will take effect from next week. (1) Has Westcare been awarded a subcontract to Moore Business Systems? (2) If yes to (1), how many of the jobs held by the 39 workers with disabilities have continued under the subcontract? (3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
I refer to the takeover of the Westcare contract for the printing, warehousing and distribution of forms within the Western Australian Department of Health by Moore Business Systems Australia Ltd, which I understand will take effect from next week. (1) Has Westcare been awarded a subcontract to Moore Business Systems? (2) If yes to (1), how many of the jobs held by the 39 workers with disabilities have continued under the subcontract? (3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(1) Has Westcare been awarded a subcontract to Moore Business Systems? (2) If yes to (1), how many of the jobs held by the 39 workers with disabilities have continued under the subcontract? (3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(2) If yes to (1), how many of the jobs held by the 39 workers with disabilities have continued under the subcontract? (3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(1) Has Westcare been awarded a subcontract to Moore Business Systems? (2) If yes to (1), how many of the jobs held by the 39 workers with disabilities have continued under the subcontract? (3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(2) If yes to (1), how many of the jobs held by the 39 workers with disabilities have continued under the subcontract? (3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(3) If no to (1), what transition to further employment is being provided for those 39 workers? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. I remind the house that earlier today I received a question on a similar subject, which was coincidentally addressed to me in my capacity as minister representing the Minister for Health. We are talking about a Department of Health contract. I am glad the member asked the other question first, because it colours my response. (1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(1) This question needs to be asked of the Minister for Health. (2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(2) Please refer to (1). (3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
(3) Responsibility for transition rests with the commonwealth government as the funding body for employment services. I can advise, however, that the commonwealth Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs would, in these circumstances, look at a range of strategies on a case-by-case basis. This may include transition to other business service enterprises. The Disability Services Commission would liaise with the Department for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to examine individual cases and offer appropriate support. I will also briefly offer an observation in addition to remarks I have previously made in the house. I have spoken with senior people at Westcare throughout this process because I am concerned at what I see going on. I advise the member that some time ago I wrote to the Treasurer to ask him for a review and reconsideration of state procurement protocols in general. Prior to that I had, on several occasions, contacted the office of the Minister for Health specifically on this matter. I am hopeful that Westcare will continue to provide services to the Department of Health similar in scope to what it has traditionally provided. I know that that is a sentiment shared by the member and by members generally.
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