To ask the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations (for the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business): In relation to the job losses at the Vertex located in Bentleigh that were attributed to the loss of a contract with Telstra that became public knowledge on or about Monday, 8 March 2011:
(1) On what date was the minister’s office advised or made aware of these job losses.
(2) On what date was the minister advised or made aware of these job losses.
(3) Who advised or made the minister aware of these job losses.
(4) Who advised or made the minister’s office aware of these job losses.
(5) If the minister was advised or made aware of these job losses other than personally by a representative of Telstra, did the minister, subsequent to receiving advice or information of the losses, make personal contact with Telstra; if so, on what date did the minister make that contact.
(6) If the minister was advised or made aware of these job losses other than personally by a representative of Vertex, did the minister, subsequent to receiving advice or information of the losses, make personal contact with Vertex; if so, on what date did the minister make that contact.
(7) Subsequent to receiving advice or information of the losses did the minister instruct the department to make contact with Telstra; if so, on what date did the minister give that instruction
(8) Subsequent to receiving advice or information of the losses did the minister instruct the department to make contact with Vertex; if so, on what date did the minister give that instruction
(9) Did the minister make any public comments or statements about these job losses; if so, on what date or dates were those statements made.
(10) What action did the minister take to try and maintain these jobs at Vertex.
ANSWER:
I am informed as follows:
On 8 March 2011, the Victorian government became aware of media reports that due to the loss of a large Telstra contract, Vertex Australia has cut 250 jobs from its centre in East Bentleigh.
Telstra is currently undergoing a significant review of its outsourcing strategy which will affect a number of its current suppliers.
The Department of Business and Innovation, on behalf of the state government of Victoria, has been in contact with Vertex to ascertain the number of jobs that will be affected.
The government is continuing to work with Vertex regarding its presence in Victoria.
The Baillieu government is committed to a strong, vibrant economy and to growing jobs across all of Victoria.