Ministerial Statement

Royal Adelaide Hospital Construction Site Incident

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:14): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: As members are aware, a tragic workplace incident occurred at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital site on 27 November. Mr Jorge Castillo-Riffo passed away from injuries sustained in an incident involving a lifting platform. I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Castillo-Riffo as they come to terms with this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are also with Mr Castillo-Riffo's co-workers as they return to the site this morning.

SafeWork SA is continuing its investigation into the incident, and I am advised that additional inspectors will be on site from today to maintain an active and visible presence. While SafeWork SA's investigation into this incident is ongoing, I advise the house that I met with the builder last Thursday and made it clear that worker safety is of paramount importance to the government. I expect the builder to comply with all the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and not to cut any corners during construction.

Once again, I express, on behalf of the government, our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jorge Castillo-Riffo.