Disability Services

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:47): Final supplementary: the minister has been asked a number of times—what guarantees can she make for these workers?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:48): A guarantee of what?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: What guarantees can you make about their pay condition and their security of work, minister?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: These things are governed by the enterprise agreement, and my understanding is that their positions are secure.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Well, I'm not saying I'm an expert, but I'm not the person who does the day-to-day negotiations—

The PRESIDENT: Minister, through me.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I am sorry, Mr President—but I know that this is a very valued workforce, and the enterprise agreement has been a very robust document that provides a large number of guarantees to the existing workforce, and we will respect all of those matters as we go forward.