Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Hansard source

MHS, the current provider of 1800RESPECT, has commenced a tender process, as Senator Waters outlined, for the trauma specialist counselling component of the service. MHS is responsible for this subcontracting arrangement under its contract with the department to deliver 1800RESPECT. MHS has included a sector expert with a background in domestic and family violence helpline services and an independent probity officer on the evaluation panel. In late May this year MHS advised the department that it had agreed to an extension of the current contract with Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia until the end of October this year. This will ensure that all callers will continue to have access to trauma specialist counselling while MHS conducts negotiations in good faith to finalise the outcome of the tender.

I do not have a direct answer to the question Senator Waters asked. I am sure she will appreciate that. I am not in a position to rule in or out a matter outside my direct portfolio. I will seek further information and come back to the Senate.