Country Hospitals

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:18): My question is to the Premier. Have works started on fire safety upgrades at health and aged-care facilities at Eudunda, Loxton and Kapunda hospitals, as promised under the Premier's swift and decisive $350 million stimulus package, announced on 11 May this year?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:18): I don't have that information. What I do know is that we did promise $350 million worth of stimulus in our first package for stimulus related to COVID-19. An additional $15 million was allocated to bring forward projects that were already in the forward estimates for important upgrades to country hospitals in South Australia. My understanding is that the vast majority of those will go out to tender in the coming weeks. A lot of work is being done on the design work and then, of course, we will try to get as much work done as quickly as possible.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I do know for a fact that electrical distribution network upgrades are very high on the priority list, because that is very important work that needs to be done as soon as possible. They will be completed by the end of this year. I know that there are upgrades planned for the Waikerie hospital, Bordertown hospital, Clare, Peterborough and Coober Pedy. I know that there is also some work planned for the Gawler hospital with regard to backup power. In fact, the contract has already been awarded for the $800,000 upgrade of the Gawler hospital's backup power capability—upgrade for a new generator and switchboard.

So there's a huge amount of work being done. This is $15 million worth of work. It is work that we need to have done to improve the amenity and the safety at our country hospitals in South Australia. We are very pleased that this is a component of our $350 million stimulus and support package here in South Australia.