1749. Hon Alison Xamon to the parliamentary secretary representing the Deputy Premier; Minister for Health; Mental Health:
I refer to comments made during Legislative Assembly estimates hearings about the possibility of the Western Australia Country Health Service (WACHS) being a service provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and I ask:
(a) has a decision been made about the ongoing role of WACHS as a service provider;
(b) if yes to (a):
(i) what parameters have been agreed to; and
(ii) is this arrangement intended to be ongoing or part of a longer term transition plan; and
(c) if no to (a), when will a decision be made?
Hon Alanna Clohesy replied: I am advised that:
(a) Yes. The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) has made a decision that it will not become a service provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
(b) (i) Consistent with the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth and Western Australia: Transition to NDIS in Western Australia, WACHS will withdraw from the provision of ‘in-kind’ NDIS responsible services. WACHS is working with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), NDIS service providers and clients to ensure continuity of service and a seamless transition to the NDIS.
(ii) The arrangement is part of the agreed Commonwealth and state NDIS transition plan.
(c) Not applicable.