Page 3263 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 17 September 2013
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Just last week I was looking at the numbers that were going through. Certainly many thousands of applications have been made. That is important to note because all applications for the first year will need to be in by 7 November.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, how much has the government paid for the first checks that were done for staff hired before November last year, and how much has the government paid on behalf of volunteers to cover their checks?
MS BURCH: I think no-one in the room would be surprised that I would not have that level of detail in front of me. Mrs Jones is showing a level of sympathy for me. I am happy to get the information that is available and bring it back.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, why is this government charging its employees for the right to work?
MS BURCH: Working with vulnerable people background checking is absolutely around providing as much safety and security as we can offer for people receiving a service. This is not about a fee to enable you to work. This is around protection for the most vulnerable in our community—children, those suffering from mental health and those with a disability—those vulnerable adults and children that are receiving a service from the community sector, a government service or volunteer groups that are participating in a range of community activities. It is only right and fitting that this community has, to the highest standards that it can apply, safety and security for those vulnerable adults.
Mr Hanson: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, the question is very specifically about why the government is charging its employees this fee, not the merits of this particular action.
MADAM SPEAKER: Would you stop the clock, please?
Mr Hanson: The minister needs to be relevant and explain why it is that—
Ms Gallagher interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Chief Minister, Mr Hanson has a point of order.
Mr Hanson: So if she could address the point of the question, which is why they are required to pay, not whether the actual policy has merit.
MADAM SPEAKER: Could I ask the minister to come directly to the question, which is why is the government charging its employees?
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