DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse questions about the tender process for funding in the health intervention services under the Drug and Alcohol Services program.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: As members present in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon will recall, I recounted that, at the debriefing provided by Drug and Alcohol Services following being informed that the DrugBeat program would not be re-funded, I was told the client outcomes were not a priority in the tender process for the submission to proceed. This, of course, led to questions about the tender process for funding for health intervention services under the Drug and Alcohol Services program and about who was on the selection panel and exactly what qualifications for assessing tender applications they have. Citing confidentiality these questions went unanswered in the debriefing session. Given my concerns that particular individuals within Drug and Alcohol Services with a particular ideological bent may have an influence in the decision for funding, this does not suffice—that is, not getting the questions answered.

1. Who was on the tender selection panel for the health intervention services, under the Drug and Alcohol Services program funding?

2. What are their respective qualifications for making the decisions on allocation of funding?

3. Are any of them Drug and Alcohol Services SA employees?

4. Are they permanently engaged in tender assessment and, if not, what are their job titles when they are not working on tender submissions?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:55): I will take those questions on notice and refer them to the Minister for Mental Health in the lower house and get an answer back as soon as possible.