Oakden Mental Health Facility

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:12): A question to the minister: why is the department and the minister's office, according to her own statements this week, and I quote, 'preparing appropriate recommendations in response to the Chief Psychiatrist's report' and not just releasing the report and recommendations as they have been received?

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS (Taylor—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (14:13): Once you receive a report, it is wise to read it thoroughly, consult with your department—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS: Well, very few members across the other side of the chamber have had their bottom on this side of the chamber to understand how governance and governments work correctly.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS: Absolutely! I don't remember hearing you defend the patients at Oakden when your federal government withdrew $20 million from the mental health system last year. No, it was the state government that stepped in to support Oakden and the accreditation in that space, which was continued from February 2016 until recently. It is our government that has been supporting these frail and vulnerable consumers—and we will continue to do so.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The members for Davenport and Chaffey are warned a second and final time. Leader.