Coronavirus

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:13): My question is to the Premier. Has the Premier discussed the Group of Eight universities advice, particularly around school closures, with his Chief Public Health Officer?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:13): I have discussed a range of issues with the Chief Public Health Officer. I don't go through every item which is on the AHPPC agenda but I am absolutely confident that our Chief Public Health Officer is doing an excellent job. In fact, she has been acknowledged nationally and I am quite sure that once this is over she will be acknowledged internationally for the work that she has done. She has sprung into action from day one when this disease was first identified in the northern hemisphere. She could see what the potential was in Australia, and ultimately in South Australia, and put all the necessary precautions and procurements in place that will stand us in very good stead for when the peak hits.

I am not there to provide input to her consideration for the policy settings that she puts in place. I think that that would be completely inappropriate. What we are trying to do is depoliticise this entire process. I think the people of South Australia are very grateful that we have depoliticised this process. I think they are very grateful that we aren't making it up in South Australia and that we are following the expert advice and will continue to do so throughout the entire journey that we are on.

It is going to take some time, but I am 100 per cent confident that if we abide by these restrictions and we follow diligently the advice that has been put forward by the experts, then we will come through this to the best of our ability. My goal is that Australia comes through this coronavirus best in the world and that South Australia comes through it the best in Australia.