WorkCover

A question put forward to the Hon. T.G. ROBERTS (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) in relation to WorkCover.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, a question about WorkCover.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I understand that WorkCover has been working on upgrading its software systems for several years through a project known initially asWorkCover.com and the business transformation project.

The aim of the project is to supersede its internally developed legacy known as ‘the ideas application’ and migrate this data into a new integrated web-based client management program.

The financial statements in WorkCover’s 2002-03 Annual Report list an item ‘Business transformation expenditure’, which consists of capitalised costs from prior years of $8.67 million, less transfer to computer equipment of $1.035 million. Added to that you have business transformation expenditure of $13.261 million, to reach a total of $20.993 million. I note that the comments listed beneath this item state the following:

Business transformation provided a framework to fundamentally change the way of doing business at WorkCover and that due to the developmental nature of the project it was expected that benefits would be realised in future.

We certainly hope they are at that cost. Will the minister advise:

1. What are the total costs associated with this project in each of the financial years preceding 2002-03?

2. What are the associated ongoing consultancy costs?

3. What are the associated ongoing WorkCover staffing allocations by full-time equivalents?

4. When is the project expected to be completed?

5. Will any costs be recouped from commercialisation ventures?

6. Has the corporation started using the claims processing systems arising from the business transformation project or WorkCover.com and, if so, when?

7. If the new system has commenced, has the net effect on times been an increase or a decrease?

8. Which clients are able to utilise the system— employees, workers or providers?

9. Has this project been considered to transform the framework of the way WorkCover does business, as stated in that annual report?

The Hon. T.G. ROBERTS (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): I will refer the question to the minister responsible for WorkCover and bring back a reply.