Modbury Hospital

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): My question is to the Premier. Given that both he, today, and the health minister, yesterday, have talked about political decisions being made to change Transforming Health processes, can the Premier give any indication as to whether he will reverse the Transforming Health decision to close emergency surgery at Modbury Hospital?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:20): No, we are not proposing to make any further changes in relation to Modbury. We have made some magnificent investments in Modbury, including the extended care arrangements in the emergency department. We have also seen dramatic improvements in relation to fewer cancellations to elective surgery because we don't have the interruption of emergency services at a range of our hospitals. I must say that it galls me to hear somebody—

Mr GARDNER: Point of order, sir.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: —who is suggesting that it is five minutes before the next election and we are being criticised for making intelligent decisions about a critical area of public policy.

Mr GARDNER: Point of order, sir.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: They know themselves that they would be having to make similar judgements about getting high-quality care if they were ever in government. Their solution is privatisation of healthcare services and cuts to healthcare services.