Page 2998 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 15 September 2015
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One could insert the words “for the better”—
in fact people feel more uncomfortable than before … are frustrated and some are more fearful than before, they think things have actually gotten worse and they’re not happy with the way things have changed.
Minister, if the reforms you are overseeing are so successful, why has the union made such comments on the public notice?
MS BURCH: I do thank Mr Smyth for his question. The strategic reform agenda will position the ESA to be a leading agency in this nation to respond to emergency services. I have said that and everyone within ESA is committed to that. Whilst Mr Smyth will make comments about some commentary of the TWU, I continue to meet with delegates from the TWU and we have quite an open conversation.
There is rightly a sense of urgency to see that change is afoot but we also recognise that change takes time. There is a very clear map and path about that change and the responsibilities about where that sits. An expert in the field, David Place, visits Canberra from South Australia on a regular basis as part of that oversight committee. We continue to positive change. We will get there.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, the ESA has characterised the proposed reforms as a positive change. Do you consider doing nothing as positive change?
MS BURCH: Mr Smyth could not be more wrong. Every official within ESA is working towards a positive change.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, when will these reform initiatives happen? If they have already commenced, why is it that workers feel that nothing has been done?
MS BURCH: I have a level of disappointment that the Canberra Liberals want to continue to talk down the ESA. In the conversations I had with the delegates, as I said, they were impatient perhaps with the timeliness of the change, but they can see my absolute determination and that of the commissioner to effect a positive change.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, what plans for further reform initiatives do you have for the ACT Ambulance Service before the end of this calendar year?
MS BURCH: The strategic reform agenda applies the reform plan across the ESA but the blueprint for change is very clear in the directions and the activities for ACTAS.
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