Question Time

Government Radio Network

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:12): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Can the minister advise whether the funds set aside to upgrade the South Australian government radio network will deliver the five additional towers needed to remove blackspots in the Gilbert Valley?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:13): I thank the honourable member for his question. As the member would be aware, the $170 million government radio network upgrade will address a whole range of issues right across the state.

In terms of which specific spots will be addressed, I would need to get some specific advice on that, but I am aware, and as I previously said, that it is the view expressed by the contractors and also the department responsible for the network that certainly it will improve some of the blackspots across the state. However, I also said very clearly that it will not address every issue 100 per cent—no network can, and that is why there will be a range of complementary systems or networks in place.