Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2017-08-09 Daily Xml

Contents

Forensic Mental Health

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:32): Just to clarify: does the Minister for Correctional Services act as a purchaser of services in relation to mental health services, or do you have another minister's officers working in your facilities?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:32): My understanding is that in respect to, for instance, James Nash House, that is specifically the responsibility of the Minister for Mental Health. I am not sure if we are talking about the same thing but I am happy to take the question on notice with respect to the procurement of mental health services within correctional facilities.

Of course, there are a number of different efforts that are undertaken within the Department for Correctional Services that speak to the mental health of its inmates, and they vary, but I am happy to take on notice the specific question asking if the Department for Correctional Services procures services from other agencies within the state government. However, as I said, this is not a simple area. There are a number of efforts that are undertaken within the department regarding mental health, so with regard to the specific nature of the honourable member's question I am more than happy to take it on notice.