PENOLA WAR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood—Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. Does the minister agree with the president of the Penola Medical Support Group, who has stated that the recently opened 750,000 accident and emergency centre at the Penola hospital cannot be utilised effectively because the centre has neither an X-ray machine nor a sufficient number of nursing staff?

The SPEAKER: Is the leader asking whether the Minister for Health agrees with the media report?

Mr MARSHALL: With the president of the Penola health group's views.

The SPEAKER: Minister for Health.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:33): No, of course I don't agree with that remark. It's a very significant investment. I have travelled to Penola, I have had an opportunity to visit that particular facility, and I am surprised that members opposite would be finding fault with this government which has made significant investments into the health care of South Australians who live in our regions.

I just find it extraordinary that, when this government has made such a significant investment in regional health services, all that we can hear from the opposition is carping, complaining and finding fault. You would think that the opposition and its members—particularly the member for MacKillop, who, if I am not mistaken, has Penola within his electorate—would be in this place applauding the government.

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I anticipate the point of order. I think it is part of the function of Her Majesty's opposition to carp, whinge and criticise. Therefore, I seek to restrain the Minister for Health from going down that path. Is the Minister for Health finished?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: I am, sir.