Chemotherapy Treatment Error

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:45): My question is to the Minister for Health. What action did the minister take to monitor the progress of the compensation discussions between SAICORP and the chemotherapy dosing victims? On 18 April Mr Hillard, the Chief of Staff to the Minister for Health, emailed Andrew Knox and said, and I quote:

In relation to the email from SAICORP, I have no background in law whatsoever, Andrew, and nor do SAICORP report through to me or our Minister but I have forwarded what you sent me onto SA Health.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:45): The reason why I have chosen to answer this is because it goes to the question that we canvassed earlier about the way in which these matters are handled within government. Once they become matters of compensation they do go to SAICORP, which reports through to the Treasurer.

I think we acknowledge that certain cases, especially cases of such great sensitivity, perhaps do require a different level of monitoring, and that is something that we are going to reflect on in the light of this. Having said that, though, the minister's office kept in regular contact with Mr Knox through the Chief of Staff; in your previous question you acknowledge that. I understand that they were courteous and regular and, I think Mr Knox might suggest, supportive conversations with the Chief of Staff. The reality for all to see, though, is that that is manifestly inadequate because Mr Knox and others—

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader is on two warnings and has been reminded of that once already.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Mr Knox and others have complained about the lack of expedition in the resolution of these claims, hence our intervention, but we are going to reflect on how these particular types of matters are handled in the future.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Colton is warned for the second and the final time, and the member for Morialta is reminded that he is on two warnings already. Member for Elder.