Opposition parties disappointed local business was not chosen for wellness program

A mainland business is being paid $5000 a week to run a fitness and nutrition program for local police, paramedics and firefighters, with opposition parties questioning why a Tasmanian firm was not chosen for the contract.

THE State Government is paying an interstate company $5000 a week to run an online wellness program for police, paramedics and firefighters, with opposition parties asking why a Tasmanian firm was not chosen.

The 12-week Ready for Response Program provides nutritional advice, meal plans, exercise plans and three individual 20-minute sessions with a dietitian by video or phone.

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The $64,845 contract to run the program for the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management personnel was awarded to a Sydney-based business last month, with the program running from May 4 until August 17.

Two Tasmanian bids were among a total of seven but neither got the nod, which Labor and the Greens said was disappointing.

Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White on parliament lawns, Hobart. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Labor leader Rebecca White said it did not make sense that a Tasmanian business had not been engaged, especially during the COVID-19 situation.

“The Government has a responsibility to do whatever it takes to keep as many Tasmanian workers employed, especially when the success of Tasmania’s COVID-19 economic recovery depends on getting locals back into work,’’ she said.

“Too many people have already lost work in Tasmania, and the Government must do everything possible to save the jobs people still have.

“Never has it been more important to buy local, build local, employ local.”

Greens police, fire and emergency management spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said it was important emergency workers were provided support to do their jobs, but it was “regrettable” the tender was awarded interstate.

“Many Tasmanian businesses are struggling, so it’s disappointing to see government contracts being awarded to interstate competitors,’’ Dr Woodruff said.

Greens police, fire and emergency management spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

The Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management said submissions were sought through a request for quotation process, with seven quotations received.

Two applicants were assessed as non-compliant and were excluded.

Inspector Matthew Richman, the director of wellbeing with DPFEM, said remaining applicants were assessed against value for money and capacity to deliver.

Insp Richman said 182 staff members across all emergency service agencies were participating in the program.

He said the annual program was first rolled out in 2018 and was designed to support emergency service workers to perform at their optimal level.