Women's and Children's Health Network Cochlear Implant Program

Mrs HURN (Schubert) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. What was the catalyst for the government launching an independent investigation into the cochlear implant program at the Women's and Children's Hospital? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mrs HURN: It has been reported to the opposition that the issue was first raised with the Women's and Children's Health Network in April of 2022, and the minister has advised the house that he was aware in August, yet it took until yesterday for the minister to confirm an independent investigation.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The Leader of Government Business is very absorbed in that text and must not use it as a prop.

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:06): I refer again to my ministerial statement where I outlined the actions that the Women's and Children's Health Network have been undertaking, over many months, to go back to talk to those families, to undertake an analysis of whether there had been issues in terms of the mapping of those cochlear implants and their settings that had been put in place. That work now having resulted in those 30 identifications of issues, combined with concern from the families, I think has now necessitated us to have an external independent interstate expert undertake a review of this matter.