Disability Equipment Service

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (14:55): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking questions of the minister representing the Minister for Disabilities regarding the Disability Equipment Service (DES).

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT: I have been contacted by constituents, most notably a gentleman whose wheelchair broke down during the weekend just gone, I believe. This gentleman called the after hours number for DES, only to find that that office was closed at 5pm on a Sunday. Surely this is not a true after-hours service. I know from contact with other constituents, and from my own personal experience, that this experience is not unique, and it can be incredibly difficult to get someone out to do wheelchair and other equipment repairs after hours. My questions to the minister are:

1. Can the minister confirm the best way to get efficient repairs on equipment done out of hours?

2. Will the minister ensure that DES is better resourced so that people can get their equipment repaired quickly so as to ensure their safety, freedom and independence?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:56): I thank the member for her important questions and will refer them to the Minister for Disabilities in another place and bring back a response.