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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-05-16 Daily Xml
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Grandparents for Grandchildren SA

Ms STINSON (Badcoe) (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Child Protection. Is the minister aware that her department yesterday met with Grandparents for Grandchildren advising them that they will no longer receive any government funding?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER Order!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:47): I thank the member for the question because this is a very important organisation whom I've actually met with since the change of government, and they have made it—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: Well, listen up, okay?

The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier will be heard in silence. The Deputy Premier has a call.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: As it turns out—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I would like to hear the answer, too.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —this is an organisation which I had had something to do with over the last 10 years or so. The Hon. Nick Xenophon was a member in another place—several times, actually, but wherever he is now—

The Hon. J.A.W. Gardner: In other places.

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —other places, yes, exactly—and he was also active in the establishment of support for this organisation and its growth. Over the years, it has convened events, functions, conferences, a number of which I have attended and spoken at. They undertake considerable and worthy work. Some other organisations in relation to the support of people either in foster care or in the care of children generally have developed a service as well. The former government determined that they would undertake a tender process in respect of who would be the principal body.

This organisation advised me at the meeting—apart from all the material that they indicated is to update me as to their progress and what they were doing—that they had further made a submission for the normal budget process to the Minister for Child Protection. I think it was actually to a different department but, in any event, ultimately under her area. In those circumstances, I indicated to them that, while there was an existing tender, it would be unlikely that it would be appropriate that they meet with her at that stage.

It appears that, if they have made further requests for further meeting with that minister or any other minister, then I don't know that. Obviously, the member may know as to further requests, but that is the circumstances of which the standards of which this government will operate and does operate. I know the member is only new to this place, but there have been previous tenders in this that have come to the attention of this house, and auditors-general and the ICAC commissioner, etc.

We are setting a new standard in respect of what we expect of our ministers and ensuring that those standards are met. One of the things that will attract attention is if, in fact, one or more tenderers who are seeking a positive response from the government is to in some way seek favour or preference. That is an issue that is unacceptable for our government and, not only that, we will act in a manner to ensure that we minimise any risk of it.

I think that, in general circumstances, if this organisation has made multiple requests to see a minister who has the responsibility to supervise a tender process, it would be unwise for that meeting to take place during that tender process, and that is a position we maintain.

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