Maintenance work on Govt-owned buildings to be carried out by private sector

14/1/96

Maintenance services to 800 Government-owned buildings will be organised and carried out by the private sector from next month.

Previously the work was co-ordinated and completed by employees of the Western Australian Building Management Authority (WABMA), and sub-contractors employed by the authority.

Works Minister Kevin Minson said today the move was part of the Government's commitment to obtaining the best value for WA taxpayers.

"In 1995, the WABMA decided to contract out its maintenance services in an effort to provide value maintenance services," Mr Minson said.

The Minister said facilities management contracts were signed this week with Serco Australian, Transfield Maintenance and Chiefton Management to carry out the work.

"The private sector has promised to deliver better maintenance services while achieving savings for WA taxpayers. I believe the new system will enhance the WA public building portfolio," he said.

The WABMA will maintain overall management of the maintenance of public buildings, while the facilities managers will organise day-to-day maintenance.

The contracts cover maintenance at all suburban schools, police stations, courtrooms and other Government buildings. Each of the three facility managers will care for a portfolio of buildings in a specified geographic area.

Serco Australia will be responsible for the north metropolitan region, Transfield Maintenance for the south metropolitan region and Chiefton management for the north-east metropolitan region.

Mr Minson said the WABMA employees who had previously worked in the maintenance area had been given the opportunity to transfer to the new facilities managers.

"While some people have already started work with the new facilities managers, job interviews and negotiations are continuing. We expect to know final numbers in March," he said.

The value of the combined contracts is $30 million.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 272 7222