GenU to merge with Li-Ve Tasmania

Geelong-based organisation genU is set to merge with a Tasmanian disability support provider.

Li-Ve Tasmania CEO Darren Mathewson, genu board member Jan O'Keefe, genu CEO Clare Amies and genu board member Leanne Meehan. Picture: Supplied

Geelong-based organisation genU is set to merge with disability support provider Li-Ve Tasmania.

GenU chief executive Clare Amies said its wide range of disability, aged care, employment and other services would provide new opportunities for Tasmanians living with disability.

“Our immediate focus is on close communication and collaboration with all clients, staff and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition process and positive experience with genU, and we are really excited about working within Tasmanian communities,” she said.

The two organisations will work through a transition process until Li-Ve Tasmania officially becomes part of genU on July 1.

A joint statement said genU would provide Tasmanian offices and local leadership to cement its long-term interest in Tasmania.

GenU has more than 3400 staff at locations across Australia.

According to its 2021-22 annual report Li-Ve Tasmania had 466 staff.

A genU spokesperson said most of Li-Ve Tasmania’s staff were expected to transition to genU, “with more employment opportunities expected as genU expands its offering in Tasmania”.

“Clare Amies will continue as (chief executive and) current Li-Ve Tasmania (chief executive) Darren Mathewson will continue with the organisation as the most senior leader in Tasmania, representing genU locally, supporting service delivery leaders, and exploring opportunities for growth through new programs and servicesm” the spokesperson said.

Mr Mathewson said detailed due diligence had been undertaken to confirm the merger would be successful for the long term.

“In genU, a regional provider like us, we have identified a diverse, large and highly capable organisation that shares a passion for its people and has a growing presence across Australia,” he said.

“Importantly, our Tasmanian disability support staff and services will continue to support our current participants, families and communities.

“The united organisation will also be well-positioned to enhance existing services and

accommodation and invest in new services.

“I am confident that this is the best decision to ensure a strong and successful future for our participants.”

In January, genU announced it was working with Anglicare Tasmania to transition some of their NDIS-funded disability services to genU.

Earlier this month genU confirmed it had reported suspected fraud targeting its finances to police.

Ms Amies said the matter was referred to police following an initial internal investigation triggered by suspicious activity.

The organisation said Victoria Police would work to determine the time frame of the alleged offending, which genU said was historical, as well as the significance of the amount involved.

“I want to assure our many clients, their families and carers that this activity does not in any way involve or compromise our services or service delivery, NDIS payments, or personal information,” Ms Amies said at the time.

Originally published as GenU to merge with Li-Ve Tasmania