WOMEN'S INFORMATION SERVICE

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:37): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the Women's Information Service.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: In addition to maintaining the Women's Information Service shopfront and telephone service, a number of other programs are made available to women through this service. My question is: will the minister report to the chamber on the new Ombudsman service, which will be offered from the Women's Information Service?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (14:37): I am very pleased to inform honourable members that the South Australian and commonwealth Ombudsman offices will be providing a fortnightly outreach service from within the Women's Information Service, beginning in May this year. As members would be aware, the Women's Information Service is a free and confidential information, referral and support service for all women in South Australia.

WIS provides assistance in person, over the phone, through regional information hubs and by email. A toll-free number is available for women residing in rural and remote areas. As members would be aware, the commonwealth Ombudsman investigates complaints from people who believe that they may have been treated unfairly or unreasonably by a federal government department or agency. The Ombudsman SA investigates complaints about South Australian government and also local government agencies as well.

Starting this month, the Women's Information Service will form a partnership with the commonwealth and state Ombudsman offices to reach women from different groups in the community. This partnership is designed to link women, such as women from culturally and linguistically diverse groups, to services provided by an ombudsman that they might not otherwise be aware of.

The aim of offering the service through WIS is to increase women's access to accountable and fair resolution of the complaints they raise. This service is based on the model used in Hutt Street to inform homeless people of the work of the Ombudsman and how the office can help people should they have complaints about being unfairly treated by federal, state or local government agencies.

In the lead-up to providing this service, the SA and Commonwealth Ombudsman offices delivered an information session to staff at WIS. They provided staff with information about the investigations they undertake and provided examples. This is a welcome addition to the outreach services provided by WIS as part of its community engagement program. This program aims to provide information, support and referral options to women in metropolitan, regional and rural areas. WIS workers regularly meet with individuals, community groups and agencies to inform them of a range of services available to assist women, as well as to inform them about the role of WIS.

WIS information hubs are a key part of this program. Hubs have been established at the Department of Education and Community Services children's centres in many locations throughout Adelaide and at libraries, community health services and community centres in regional areas throughout South Australia. In metropolitan areas, hubs can be found in locations including Enfield, Elizabeth Grove, the Parks and a number of other centres. In regional areas, hubs are located as far afield as Andamooka, Wudinna, Streaky Bay, Milang, Clare, Port Augusta and a number of other centres as well.

Hubs provide a range of printed information about services. Women are welcome to access hub spaces independently, or they can contact WIS to speak to a worker for additional assistance. WIS is obviously committed to providing women in regional and rural areas with assistance, as well as providing talks about the service for interested groups. WIS staff also participate in rural field days and events in country locations and provide free telephone link-up services for women living outside of Adelaide.