ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSPITAL

203 Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (31 July 2007). Is there any radioactive waste stored in the basement of the Royal Adelaide Hospital and what is the status of the centralised radioactive store to be established by the EPA?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts): I am advised:

Radioactive waste, which includes contaminated equipment and waste from clinical radiotherapy procedures, is securely stored in the basement of the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The waste is stored in an isolated and secured storage area, with shielding in place, away from hospital staff. This dedicated storage area is compliant with the requirements for storage of radioactive material prescribed in the regulations under the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982.

Radiation surveys are performed (as part of an annual audit and when required) in all surrounding areas by qualified, licensed medical physicists. The radiation levels are well below the level set by South Australian Regulations, which follow International Guidelines.

The radioactive material is registered with the Environmental Protection Authority. Registration is only granted to sites that conform to State legislation.

The Government has made a commitment to establish a store and repository for South Australia's radioactive waste. It is currently considering the roles of government agencies in conducting the implementation project.