WORKCOVER CORPORATION

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:49): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, representing the Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, on the topic of the WorkCover charter and performance statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: I asked a question in this place on 15 March this year to the Minister for Workers Rehabilitation as to why the rehabilitation and return-to-work section is no longer contained in the WorkCover Charter 2011-12. I also asked where the assessment is of the WorkCover Board's performance against the charter and the performance statement for which they are meant to be accountable. I would like to note that on 28 March 2012 WorkCover SA provided a response to my question, which had been asked by me in parliament, during its WorkCover stakeholder information session, citing that that was a response to my question. How embarrassing that WorkCover is able to respond to my question before the minister. My questions to the minister are:

1. Why has the minister failed to respond to this council by giving an answer to my question, and why is that answer missing in action from this place when WorkCover was able to make a response on 28 March 2012? When will this response be tabled?

2. Where is the performance statement which is referred to in part 3A section 17B of the WorkCover Corporation Act as amended in 2008?

3. When will the minister table a copy of the performance statements that have been made since 2008, ensuring that they are accessible to the public and to members of this parliament?

4. Where are the performance statements available anywhere in the public domain and, if they are not, why not?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:51): I thank the honourable member for her questions and will refer them to the appropriate minister in another place and bring back a response.