Australian Craniofacial Unit

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:48): What action has the government taken to address—

The SPEAKER: Who is this to, sorry, member for Kaurna?

Mr Pederick interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr PICTON: The minister representing the Minister for Health. What action has the government taken to address the allegations raised by SASMOA regarding allegations of bullying and harassment against staff at the Australian Craniofacial Unit?

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (14:49): There's only one thing I can do to try to help the shadow minister. I am going to read the statement, which has just been tabled.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: You may use copious notes.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: I am just trying to help.

The Hon. S.S. Marshall interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier will not interject.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: This is a statement from the Hon. Stephen Wade—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Lee will not interject. The minister has the call and he will be heard in silence.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: —a statement tabled five minutes or thereabouts ago from the Hon. Stephen Wade MLC, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, dated Thursday 26 July 2018—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: —headed, Australian Craniofacial Unit:

Following a meeting with Professor David David on 9 July, I obtained a briefing on issues raised and a review of a selection process in the Australian Craniofacial Unit. Both the briefing and review raised further questions for me and I have indicated that I will be seeking further information.

In that context, yesterday morning, I made contact with the South Australian Salaried Medical Officers Association to inquire as to whether they had any concerns with the selection process. In response to that contact from me, the association sent me an email yesterday afternoon which I received late morning today.

The email raises serious concerns about the culture and operations of the Australian Craniofacial Unit, recruitment processes and the impact on patients. I have discussed the matter with the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment who has undertaken to meet with SASMOA and initiate whatever action is necessary.

As appropriate, I have also referred the matter to the Office for Public Integrity. In that context, I do not intend to make any further statement.

So, if the shadow minister asks me another question down the same vein, I have no other answer that I can give him.