Personal Explanation

MEMBER'S REMARKS

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security) (15:11): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD: During question time, the Leader of the Opposition referenced an article in TheLoxton News and mentioned some remarks that were attributed to me. I would like to read into Hansard the whole article so that the context of those comments can be understood by the house. The article, which is entitled 'Maywald to present petitions', reads as follows:

Member for Chaffey Karlene Maywald will present petitions opposing the SA Country Health Care Plan in parliament on Tuesday.

Mrs Maywald met with members of the Loxton and Districts Health Advisory Committee (HAC) last Friday to discuss the problems foreseen in the new plan.

Mrs Maywald was presented with some petitions, but others are still being collected, with today (Wednesday) being the final day of collection.

HAC member Sally Goode said about 2,500 signatures had been collected, with the final number likely to reach 3,000.

At the meeting, HAC chairman Ruth Firstbrook outlaid concerns about the proposed plan. Mrs Maywald said it was important to get Minister for Health John Hill, the SA Country Health officials and members of the HAC, doctors and hospital staff, to talk about what the plan would mean for the Loxton Hospital complex.

'I know your message and I support it 100 per cent,' Mrs Maywald said.

However, she was concerned that she was hearing differing reports than what she had been told by the minister.

'My information is that services will be retained in Loxton and Waikerie,' she said.

'If there is some subtext let's find out about it and deal with it.'

After the meeting Mrs Firstbrook said the minister would visit Loxton some time before the end of the month.

She said she was impressed with Mrs Maywald's commitment to the Loxton and Districts HAC bid to keep the hospital services.

'I felt she (Mrs Maywald) was really interested in the detail and our perception of the plan,' Mrs Firstbrook said.

Mrs Firstbrook said Mrs Maywald was thrilled that Berri was getting the $41 million to upgrade its hospital, but she wanted to make sure the other hospitals were preserved and viable.

Mrs Firstbrook said she heard the minister's view through Mrs Maywald and agreed that some points needed clarification.

'She's been really proactive in getting the minister here,' Mrs Firstbrook said.

'She does believe that our council needs to have some answers.'

Mrs Firstbrook said it was evident at the meeting that both parties understood where each was coming from.

'It was a very productive meeting,' Mrs Firstbrook said.

'What a win for us to get the minister up here.'