COUNTRY AMBULANCE SERVICE UPGRADE

352 Mrs PENFOLD (Flinders) (12 February 2008). What is the expected additional cost of upgrading the country volunteer ambulance service to enable them to cope with the increased load caused by reduced acute care hospitals and the lack of doctors on Eyre Peninsula, given there are only 'hub' hospitals at Port Lincoln and Whyalla?

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

No additional costs are expected.