Coronavirus, Nurse Employment

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:50): My question is to the Premier. How many public hospital casual nurses are currently left without work and pay due to the cancellation of elective surgery? With your leave and that of the house, sir, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PICTON: Yesterday, I asked the Premier exactly the same question and he was unable to answer and said he will be checking the figures. Every day, we are being informed of more nurses who are left in this position, unable to pay their bills.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:50): I haven't had an answer back on this and I just ask for the member's patience on this issue. As you would be aware, we are in the midst of a global pandemic at the moment and so obviously our focus at the moment is very much on implementing our plan. I apologise that there hasn't been an answer in the last 24 hours, but we will seek to get that. It doesn't need to go through the normal parliamentary process and we will provide it to the member directly as soon as it's available.