Disability Services

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:39): Supplementary arising from the answer, Mr President. I thank the minister for her answer outlining the important work that Minda does. In relation to the accommodation services that the minister referred to, is the minister able to inform the chamber whether she or anyone from her office or her department has had conversations with Minda about taking over services currently provided within government with the privatisation of supported community accommodation services for disabled people?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for his question, although I reject some of the language that he has used. I think the language of 'taking over' is completely inappropriate. I think I have outlined here previously about the consultation that has taken place so far in relation to the decisions that the government has made to withdraw from supported accommodation services. In that respect, I think I have already outlined previously that I have met with both of the unions that are involved with supporting staff on those sites. I am also aware that a range of providers are interested, but I don't think I have anything to add from what I have said previously on this matter.