Question Time

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:10): My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer confirm that at the end of the financial year 2010-11 the health department's financial accounts were in such a state, as a result of a new financial system approved by the Minister for Health, that private consultants PKF had to be appointed to fix the problem?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Treasurer, Minister for Workers Rehabilitation, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:09): I know that rolling out any IT system anywhere in government is, of course, notoriously difficult and notoriously prone to cost overruns. That is not unique to this project.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: It is something that happens across governments right across the country, indeed, right across the world and, in fact, is not unique, even to the public sector. It happens in the private sector as well. As to those particular details about whether they had consultants, it is really a question which would be more appropriately directed to the Minister for Health.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: I will be more than happy to get a report and get back to the house.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I just remind the leader also that the question was somewhat inflammatory and ask her to watch her questions.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Taylor.