OnCall Language Services

In reply to Mr PISONI (Unley) (23 July 2014). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I have been advised:

OnCall Language Services is the incumbent contracted provider of interpreting and translating services across the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI). The total expenditure by DCSI (including Housing SA) with OnCall during 2013-14 was $161,566.62 (GST inclusive).

DCSI did not have contracts in place with other interpreting and translating service providers during 2013-14; however, other specialist services are used as required by DCSI (including Housing SA). This includes services provided by the Royal SA Deaf Society Inc. and specialist services for Aboriginal languages.

During a meeting on 28 January 2014, OnCall representatives provided information regarding OnCall's history, specifically the former company (On-Call Interpreters and Translators Agency Pty Ltd) and its unpaid superannuation debt.

OnCall advised that the superannuation debt has been fully repaid to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The responsibility now lies with any independent contractors that are still owed superannuation benefits to make a claim for payment direct to the ATO. DCSI does not hold information in relation to payroll tax.