382. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Education and Training:
I refer to the Western Australian State Training Plan 2017–2020, and to the Board’s recommendation for the development of “a comprehensive workforce development plan for the healthcare and social assistance industry including aged care, disability and allied health sectors through a collaborative approach involving industry, care providers, allied health and advocacy and advisory bodies”, and I ask:
(a) does the Government intend to develop a workforce development plan for the healthcare and social assistance industry;
(b) if yes to (a), would the Minister please provide information about the development of the plan, including:
(i) the intended lead agency;
(ii) expected timeline; and
(iii) who has been consulted or is it intended will be consulted; and
(c) if no to (a), why not?
Hon Sue Ellery replied:
(a) Yes.
(b) (i) The State Training Board is developing the plan and has established a Social Assistance and Allied Health Workforce Steering Committee comprising industry, Government and non-government representatives to guide the research and development of the plan.
(ii) The Committee is expected to present its findings to the Board by mid-2018.
(iii) To date, consultation has occurred with the WA Council of Social Services, National Disability Services (WA), Aged and Community Services, the Community Services Health and Education Training Council, relevant State Government agencies and the members of the Steering Committee. Further consultations are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2018.
(c) Not applicable.