Sepuloni Carmel: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeSepuloni Carmel: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 17 March 2016. Volume:712;Page:9871. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.CARMEL SEPULONI (Labour—Kelston) to the Minister for Social Development: How many applications for benefits superannuation and special needs grants have not been processed because of the issues with the implementation of the client management IT system?Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development): I am advised that Work and Income is unaware of any applications for benefits superannuation and special needs grants that have not been processed due to the introduction of the new client management system. All applications have been processed within normal business-as-usual time frames and client applications and payments have been given top priority. All client services are now operating as usual and any clients with concerns should contact Work and Income.Carmel Sepuloni: Is the reason that she cannot provide a number that the booking system is experiencing serious faults and that staff are unable to edit or load client files into the client management system?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: No it is because there are none.Carmel Sepuloni: Does she stand by her statement last week that “the system is continuing to improve with an expectation of being at full capacity in the next day or so”; if so why are there thousands of client files as of yesterday still unable to be called up by Work and Income staff?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: I am advised that the amount of work on hand is within the normal range and is being processed within the expected time frames. All work relating to payments is being prioritised the system’s performance has continued to improve since implementation and I have received regular updates on the system. One hundred percent of the staff are now able to use the system and all client channels are operating as usual.Carmel Sepuloni: Have Work and Income staff had immediate access to the high-risk client database the entire time since the rollout of the upgrade to the client management IT system; if not what security risks has this posed to her staff?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: My understanding is that there were some systems that were not available for some periods of time but at all times security of staff is uppermost in the minds of Work and Income.Carmel Sepuloni: What additional security measures has she put in place to mitigate the security risks for her staff not being able to identify high-risk clients quickly?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: As I have already said any of those services that were not available were unavailable for only a short period of time. All offices have security officers in place and as I say especially last week the security and safety of staff was uppermost in the minds of all Work and Income managers.Carmel Sepuloni: Is she able to guarantee that benefit recipients who are entitled to the benefit rate increase on 1 April will receive this increase on time?Hon ANNE TOLLEY: My understanding is that all benefit payments will be paid in accordance with the normal operating practices. I have particularly asked about the benefit increase from 1 April and I am assured that that will take place but that does rely on all the information being available from applicants.