AMBULANCE SERVICE —
SAFETY DIRECT SERVICE — KIMBERLEY
175. Hon
MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the minister representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to the minister's
media statement on 12 February 2022 in relation to the Kimberley ambulance
service.
(1) What is the cost and term of
the contract with Safety Direct Solutions?
(2) Prior to the
engagement of Safety Direct Solutions in the Kimberley, who provided the
Kimberley ambulance service?
(3) What is the
rationale for the state government privatising previously publicly delivered
services in the Kimberley?
(4) Did the
minister discuss the privatisation of ambulance services with a representative
of United Voice prior to making a decision; and, if so, to whom and on what
date?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The total
cost of the contract is $963 600. The contract term is up to two years,
expiring 30 June 2023.
(2) Prior to and
following the engagement of Safety Direct Solutions, the WA Country Health
Service provided the Kimberley ambulance
service. The contract is for the provision of ambulances and paramedics.
There is no reduction in the number of WA Country Health Service staff
supporting the Kimberley ambulance service.
(3)–(4) There
has been no privatisation of the Kimberley ambulance service. Additional
paramedics will be provided to support existing WA Country Health Service
staff.