Contract cleaning in Gov't schools to be expanded progressively

11/8/97

Contract cleaning will be progressively expanded over the next four years to eventually cover two thirds of all Government schools in the metropolitan area and large regional centres.

Announcing the future of contract cleaning in schools today after last year's trial and public consultation period, Education Minister Colin Barnett said the expansion of private cleaning services would be less rapid than during the trial.

"Feedback on the trial, which took place in 160 schools last year, showed that contract cleaning needed to be implemented in the future at a slower pace, with less schools entering the program at any one time," Mr Barnett said.

"The teething problems regarding cleaning standards, which occurred during the trial, have been resolved.

"The Education Department will not compromise on the high standards demanded for cleaning our schools and now the team approach, where the cleaning company and school work closely to ensure high standards, is delivering a level of cleaning satisfactory to everyone involved.

"This year, the level of school cleaning by private contractors is on an equal footing with day labour-cleaned schools."

Mr Barnett said the cleaning program would begin to be implemented from next year for schools in the new Joondalup, Cannington, Perth and Swan education districts. The Education Department would advertise this week seeking expressions of interest from companies interested in being included in a register of cleaning contractors with the department.

In 1999, the remaining metropolitan schools would change to contract cleaning at the rate of about 40 schools each term. Implementation of the program in regional centres would begin in 1999. New schools opening anywhere in the State would also be contract cleaned.

Mr Barnett said the contract program should be completely implemented early in 2001.

"The Education Department will hold district and school meetings in the term prior to the implementation of contract cleaning so that the whole school community understands the process," he said.

"All contracts will start with a very thorough vacation clean, which includes steam cleaning walkways, cleaning high windows and carpet cleaning, to establish an initial high standard of cleanliness which will then be adhered to throughout the contract.

"When the contract cleaning program is fully implemented, annual accrued savings to the Education Department will be more than $9 million, enough to built two state-of-the art primary schools.

"Currently, more than 180 schools around the State are cleaned by private contractors. After the program is fully implemented, it is expected that approximately two thirds, or more than 500 WA schools will be privately cleaned."

Cleaners affected by the change will have an opportunity to consider employment offers with the new contractor, a voluntary severance payment or redeployment.

No permanently employed cleaner will lose his/her job as a result.

"Expanding the contract cleaning service in no way diminishes the valuable contribution the Education Department's day labour cleaners have made to WA schools, and I would like to thank them for their loyalty and service to schools," Mr Barnett said.

"Hopefully, many of them will be able to maintain their sense of belonging to the schools by continuing their work with the contractor."

All cleaners affected by the changes will receive information and advice from the department outlining the opportunities available to them. Information about possible career, financial and personal counselling is also available on request.

In the meantime, anyone wanting more information about the impact of contract cleaning can call the Education Department's Helpline on 1800 625 985 between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699