Question On Notice No. 1117 asked in the Legislative Council on 17 November 2022 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas
Question Directed to the: Leader of the House representing the Minister for Health
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the media release from the Minister for Health on 9 August 2022 entitled 'new era for ambulance services to deliver contemporary care' which includes the statement that the Government is working on 'a more contemporary contract which includes introducing new performance management measures, strengthening clinical oversight, and improving transparency on how public funds are spent', and I ask:
(a) are negotiations for a new contract with St John Ambulance underway;
(b) if yes to (a), when is a new contract expected to be completed and signed;
(c) if yes to (a), will the contract include any clauses that will prevent St John Ambulance from reporting problems directly to the public or prevent St John Ambulance from criticising the Government or it's policies; and
(d) if yes to (c), do these gag clauses meet the Government's new version of gold standard transparency?
Answered on 14 February 2023
(a) Negotiations with St John Ambulance WA (SJA) are now complete.
(b) The new agreement between SJA and the State of Western Australia commenced on 1 January 2023.
(c) The new agreement outlines the communications protocol, prepared by SJA and approved by the State, detailing the circumstances under which SJA may disclose information to the media.
(d) The communications protocol has been agreed to between the parties. Reporting to the public will be transparent.