Forensic Science SA

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:59): I have a supplementary for the Deputy Premier. Why has Forensic Science received fewer additional funds from this government than Henry Keogh?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:59): I am very pleased to again remind the member of the significant capital funds that were provided in this year's budget to Forensic Science SA for the acquisition of a CT scanner. The procurement of that piece of equipment is underway.

It was a high priority identified by Forensic Science SA to ensure that it did have a new means of assisting in inquests—really, in relation to all reportable deaths where an autopsy may have been required. The benefit of this was highlighted at the time, but I will repeat it for the benefit of the member because this was identified as a key priority by Forensic Science SA to assist not only in the assessment of the reasons or cause of death in cases where they are required to make an assessment but also to not have to undertake so many autopsies.

This was a massive load of work, and with the implementation of the CT scanner it is our expectation that it will very significantly reduce the workload for Forensic Science SA. It also has the added benefit of ensuring that family members of someone who has died, who are perhaps waiting for their relative so that they can make the funeral arrangements and lay them to rest, are—

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Member for West Torrens!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: Well, the member for West Torrens may not think this is important—

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens can now depart for the remainder of question time, thank you.

The honourable member for West Torrens having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —but let me tell members that I think every one of the members in this house would have had circumstances where they have received correspondence from relatives who are deeply distressed when they are awaiting a coronial report to enable them to get on and ensure that they can make the funeral arrangements for the person they love and lay them to rest. This is not an uncommon piece of concern raised by the community.

As a new government, we felt it needed to be addressed. The best way and the most immediate way we could do that was to provide more money in this capital fund availability to ensure the acquisition of a CT scanner, and it will be a very, very pleasing day when it arrives and gets to work.