Question Time

Minda Incorporated

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Human Services.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: On ABC radio this morning, the current disputes within South Australian service provider Minda were described as 'a much-loved organisation tearing itself apart'. The Advertiser also reported this morning that disability advocate David Holst has been voted off the board of Minda and that board president, Dr Susan Neuhaus, committed to stepping down as president. This comes on top of explosive claims of abuse within Minda and sanctions in place over their aged-care facility. My question is: what action has the minister or her office taken to ensure that an organisation tearing itself apart will not have any impact on delivering services for some of the state's most vulnerable people?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:19): I thank the honourable member for her question. There is a separate range of issues that relate to Minda. Following the sanctions by the Aged Care Quality Agency that were brought in in December last year, I understand the board has now undertaken its own investigation in relation to a whole range of services within the Minda organisation. I think it's fair to say that, in discussions I have held with Minda, they viewed that as a wake-up call to investigate and interrogate all of their services, of which there are a very diverse range.

In respect of the quality of services, that is a matter that my department is taking very seriously. They have not just met with Minda but they have stepped up their surveillance activities in relation to the services which are funded by the Department of Human Services. The quality and safeguarding commission, which is the commonwealth agency responsible for regulating NDIS-funded services, is also in that space. The community visitor has undertaken additional visits. In relation to the governance challenges before—

The Hon. E.S. Bourke: What guarantee are you giving about the NDIS?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: It's got nothing to do with me, giving a guarantee about the NDIS. The Labor Party clearly do not even understand the basics of how the NDIS operates, as typified by the motion that was tabled this week, which was just completely bizarre, but forget all that—and they were the ones who signed up to the agreement.

In relation to the board governance issues, as I have said they are challenging for the board. I think the board has resolved a number of issues going forward, as far as it is concerned. Ultimately, these are matters for the board and the membership going forward. I understand there is some consensus between both of those based on the Sunday meeting and the activities of the board.