Prison Capacity

Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (14:37): Supplementary, sir: has the minister requested or received any advice from the department as to the expected cost of the use of police cells and other surge capacity beds this year, given that the use of surge capacity beds is not included in the annual budget?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:38): Yes, I have received some advice on that to date, but I have also received further advice that all the cost will be absorbed by the department by savings in other areas; so there will be no additional cost to the taxpayer.