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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-12-02 Daily Xml
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VACSWIM

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:42): My questions to the acting minister for recreation, sport and racing are:

1. Why has the government changed the highly successful VACSWIM program, given that 98 per cent of previous participants' parents have indicated they are extremely satisfied with the program?

2. Does the minister endorse Mr Richter's advice over that of the RLSSA, and why was the RLSSA not consulted on these highly controversial changes?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:42): In relation to what consultation was undertaken, obviously that is a matter for my colleague, and I will take that question on notice, because I do not have any information in relation to the details of the background of the development of this proposal. However, what I can say and what I have said publicly is that, clearly, from time to time, it is appropriate that one should review programs such as VACSWIM. It is particularly appropriate at a time when we learn that the number of young people who have been drowned is on the increase.

The Hon. T.J. Stephens interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: There is some information that the number of people is on the increase. The Royal Life Saving Society of South Australia has criticised the government for not doing enough in relation to swimming pool safety. Some years ago, when amendments were put before this council under the sustainable development bill, they were systematically blocked. It is interesting that, apparently, the Royal Life Saving Society's advice is good on some things but not on others—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: No, it is you who are not taking its advice, and I just wish to point that out. Let us cut some of the hypocrisy from this debate. In relation to this program, it is appropriate that it is reviewed from time it time. My understanding is that the VACSWIM program was being run by LeisureCo, and that has been the case for some time. How long, I am not exactly sure, but that is part of the detail I will be seeking in relation to the report. However, I understand that it has been running it for some time, and a component part of that (almost like a subcontract, as I understand it) was conducted by the Royal Life Saving Society.

The information I have is that the focus of the VACSWIM program is essentially on water safety for young people between the ages of five and 12 or 13. Clearly, for those who have the relevant skills, it is important that they are encouraged to go on and get the sort of training that they would get from the Royal Life Saving Society in relation to saving others but, as I understand it, the program is essentially to provide that basic water safety to individuals—it has been designed that way. Mr Ken Richter—who I understand has run these programs and has had national positions in relation to these sorts of associations, with some 25 years experience—has assessed and given his imprimatur to this program.

I do not have much more information, other than that, in relation to those matters that relate to any discussion about or assessment of the scheme. I will refer the question to my colleague, but I repeat that next week (or shortly after his return) the minister and the Executive Director of the Office for Recreation and Sport have offered to meet with the Royal Life Saving Society to further consider any concerns that it may have.

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