COVID-19 Testing Clinics

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:09): My question is to the Premier. Why has the government decided that now is the right time to close the busy Lyell McEwin COVID testing site that has recently been closed? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PICTON: The Lyell McEwin Hospital testing site is displaying an electronic billboard today which says 'Testing clinic closed. No longer in operation'.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:10): Those are decisions that we make within SA Health based upon the demand that could exist and what the optimal use of those facilities within our hospital settings are.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Kaurna is called to order. The member for Lee is called to order. The member for West Torrens is called to order. The Premier has the call.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has the call.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I know that those opposite think that they are experts in all things, including epidemiology—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Playford is called to order.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —and the administration of SA Health. I would rather put my faith in those people who have qualifications in that area, who have expertise and experience in those areas and those people have guided South Australia to this point: the safest state in the safest country on this earth.

With regard to where we have those clinics for PCR testing, they do move around from time to time. In fact, we have looked at every single opportunity to provide testing in new and unique locations to make it as easy as possible for people, but that is a decision which is obviously made based upon volumes and also proximity to other testing sites. Thank you very much.