Homelessness—St Bart's—Women's service
192. Hon Steve Martinto theMinister for Homelessness:
I refer to the government's request for tender to take over the running of the St Bart's women's service, which is being forced to close by 1 July due to the government ceasing its funding.
(1) What is the scope and timing of the tender?
(2) How many providers were invited to participate?
(3) Will the provider be a like-for-like service with the same number of 25 beds available?
(4) In reference to (3), at what cost?
(5) Can the minister guarantee that the 18 women currently at the St Bart's women's service in East Perth will be provided with alternative accommodation by 30 June?
Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(5) I reject the premise of the member's question. Government funding to continue the delivery of services to this cohort of women is not ceasing. To repeat, the information provided in response to question without notice 162 on Tuesday 20 May 2025 is that St Bart's is seeking to re-develop its facilities in East Perth, which, by its decision, will involve the closure of its existing women's homelessness accommodation service. There is an active procurement process underway using a direct negotiation approach with one homelessness service provider. The government will soon be in a position to announce a new contract with an alternative provider who will take over running the vital services currently offered by St. Bart's. The Department of Communities is working with St Bart's and the affected women on a regular basis to ensure that their needs are being met. To be clear: by the time St Bart's closes its facility, every woman currently accommodated will be offered accommodation and support options.
