PORT AUGUSTA HEALTH SERVICES

123 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 July 2010). Will the government be supporting the establishment of a privately funded MRI facility in Port Augusta which will be able to provide a service for both public and private patients and which will not require the State Government funding?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts): I am advised:

1. The Australian Government determines the location of Medicare-eligible MRI sites, which can be accessed as an outpatient and provide for Medicare rebates.

Following a selection process, the Commonwealth decided not to proceed with the proposed tender for an MRI machine for Port Augusta.