Nicotine Replacement Therapy

In reply to Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (21 July 2014). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I have been advised:

I can advise that the South Australian Prison Health Services, in conjunction with the department, has implemented a nicotine replacement therapy program (patches) in all eight state-run prisons.

This program requires a small co-contribution from prisoners for the nicotine replacement therapy, depending on the employment status of the prisoner. So, yes, we are clearly encouraging people not to smoke.

As at 30 June 2014, South Australian Prison Health Services advise that approximately 86 prisoners across the prison system (including Mount Gambier Prison) are being supplied with nicotine replacement therapy.