Queen Elizabeth Hospital Cath Lab

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:09): For clarification, the Premier is saying the only change to the plan that existed was the addition or the restoration of the promise for a catheterisation laboratory?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:10): The leader misrepresents the position. That's not what I said. What I said amongst, other things, is that the cath labs are remaining, which was one of the sources of contention that were raised in much of the public debate. It's what characterised a very large proportion of the public debate. So people are clear about that, I have said that they will be remaining.

The balance of the services is a matter for local clinicians, but cardiac services remain there as do respiratory and oncology services, as does our commitment for a $250 million upgrade of the TQEH, which means that every patient-facing area in relation to The QEH, every patient-facing area—

Mr Bell: Pork-barrelling?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: —will be new as a consequence of the commitments made by this government. I well remember, as a candidate campaigning in the lead-up to the 2002 election, where the talk was from those opposite about the privatisation of The QEH, where they were committed to the downgrading of The QEH.

Mr Tarzia interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: What we did immediately was to invest in the new research facilities—that fantastic Basil Hetzel Institute that sits across the road—at The QEH, and of course the commitments we have made to build that beautiful new wing, which houses inpatient services. Now, of course, the important final stage is to invest in the new rehabilitation facilities, and also of course replace the other inpatient services in the present tower building.

The SPEAKER: The member for Mount Gambier is warned for accusing the Premier of pork-barrelling the western suburbs, and the member for Hartley is called to order.