Royal Adelaide Hospital

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:06): I seek leave to make ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: The legal proceedings about the proper role of the independent certifier and the state's contractual rights came on before the Supreme Court for directions this morning. The government was very pleased with the outcome. Senior counsel of the state, Mr Dick Whitington QC, explained that the independent expert had agreed with the state that he had no jurisdiction to determine the amount of compensation payable to the state. This was the principal issue before the court, and the state was pleased to have its position affirmed.

The state has received permission from the court to now seek additional orders about the independent expert to fully protect the state's contractual rights. The matter is next before the court for further directions in mid-October. As the matter is before the courts, it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this time. As I have previously stated, the government is protected by a strong contract and it will continue to hold SAHP and HYLC to account in order to protect taxpayers of South Australia.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The leader is called to order and so is the member for Schubert. No, he is warned, having a prior offence.