Disability Housing

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): Final supplementary arising from the original answer: has the minister or the minister's office received any advice that the lack of consultation in formulating this plan with the union representing the workers could be a breach of the enterprise agreement?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:34): I have received correspondence from both the unions involved, the Public Service Association and United Voice, that indicates that they believe that may be the case. Those matters will be determined through the proper process. I am not an industrial expert. I would never confess to be an expert in a whole range of areas, and not in those areas.

That is certainly something that the unions have expressed. I have met with both unions. I think those have been constructive meetings. We are very much at the beginning of a process where we are going to consult with all of the stakeholders, including the unions and including the workers. As we have done with the domestic violence policy, we are keen to ensure that we shape these things going forward for the maximum benefit of all those involved.

There are three guiding principles which are going to help to shape this going forward. I urge anybody who is interested in this to take these on board. The first principle is the continuity and quality of client services and supporting client choice. The second is the retention of skilled and experienced employees in the disability sector. The third is growth of the local South Australian non-government sector. Those are three areas that we think are very important as we shape this process.

I will be the first person to acknowledge that it is a very complex process. It is going to take some time. We are very much at the start of a journey, and I urge all stakeholders to be involved to help us to shape this forward so that we can get the best outcome.