Estimates Replies

Housing SA Multi-Trade Contract

In reply to Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (21 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:

The home modifications referred to by the opposition spokesperson in this instance were conducted by a Housing SA maintenance contractor on a Housing SA property. The matter therefore falls within my portfolio responsibility as Minister for Social Housing.

I am further advised that the Housing SA Multi-Trade Contract is a performance based contract, consisting of stringent code of conduct requirements, along with key performance indicators which are outlined in the Multi-Trade Contractors Conditions of Agreement. To ensure that all contractors are abiding by ethical and financial standards, their performance is measured monthly. The strategies used include monthly meetings on performance standards, and monthly reporting together with audit and compliance strategies.

Under the terms of the Multi-Trade Contractors Conditions of Agreement, where contractors do not meet the performance benchmark, an abatement amount can be applied. Housing SA does not pay for uncompleted work, or work deemed not compliant with the Accommodation Standards or Technical Specification. Where work has not been performed to the appropriate standard, or is not completed satisfactorily, a Non-Conformity Report is issued to the multi-trade contractor and further investigated by Housing SA. A Non-Conformity Report may impact on their performance indicators and abatements.