SA Health

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:48): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Health. Did the research quoted by the Chief Executive of SA Health to support his claim that 30 to 40 per cent of patients of hospitals didn't need to be there come from a New South Wales costing study from 1993?

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:48): I just seek a bit of clarification. I don't believe that I have ever made that claim.

Mr Picton: No, I didn't say you.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Well, reread the question.

The SPEAKER: Would you like to repeat the question please, member for Kaurna.

Mr PICTON: I'm happy to read the question again. Did the research quoted by the Chief Executive of SA Health to support his (being the chief executive) claim that 30 to 40 per cent of patients in hospitals didn't need to be there come from a New South Wales costing study from 1993?

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: I will look into that, seek advice, go back to the Minister for Health, and bring an answer back.

Mr Malinauskas: If only you had done that yesterday.

The SPEAKER: The leader is called to order.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, members on my right! Please be seated.

The Hon. D.C. van Holst Pellekaan interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Energy is called to order. Members will not interject. The member for West Torrens and then the Member for Davenport.