Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I will deal with the tender process first. In relation to the question put by Senator Stott Despoja: last week, following my announcement about the release of the exposure draft of the bill, the department wrote to all tenderers and advised them of a briefing session to clarify time lines and to extend steps in the procurement process. I am advised that this briefing took place this morning. My department will continue to be closely engaged with tenderers and will undertake further meetings in relation to the tender evaluation process. These meetings, of course, are focused on the best value for money, and the tenderers will be kept fully informed.

In relation to the exposure draft, I have said publicly that it is my intention to release that during this fortnight of sittings, and that remains my intention. That exposure draft will be released for discussion for a period of around two months. The Department of Human Services of course will take the lead in relation to consultations. But, as well as that, Professor Fels and his committee will continue their work. They have a number of reports to be released. I understand that one is about to be released and there are a couple of others that will be released very soon. That will inform discussion.

We have said very clearly that this is a very big initiative. Some 16 million Australians will be affected by it, and we want to make sure that we get things right. In relation to other countries that have embarked upon a similar program, we have seen time lines of six years plus—and I am looking at countries such as Germany and Italy as examples. We need to make sure that, when we do bring the bill before parliament, there has been adequate consultation, and I know that Senator Stott Despoja has been one of those who have called for just that.

This decision was informed by my own consultation with stakeholders across the board, ranging from people in the industry sector to those who are involved in NGOs and those involved in those sectors of the community—the aged, those with disabilities, veterans and others—who would be very much affected by this. I think there will be great benefits from the exposure draft. The terms of how it will be dealt with will be released when I deliver the exposure bill.