Premier's Ambulance Nightshift

In reply to Mrs HURN (Schubert) (17 June 2022). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing): I have been advised:

The Premier joined SA paramedics in their ambulance for a nightshift for more than six hours from 8.30pm Saturday night, well into the early hours of Sunday on 4 June. This experience enabled the Premier to see firsthand just how dire the need was for more ambulance officers and paramedics.

What this opportunity demonstrated to the Premier was that the system the Labor government inherited was one under so much pressure, that there is no respite for ambulance workers. It also gave medical staff throughout the system the opportunity to tell the Premier about their experiences working in SA's healthcare system.

This important opportunity for the Premier to see firsthand the dire state of the health system caused by the Liberals' significant underinvestment over the past four years was confirmed prior to May 26, though the exact moment it was organised could not be determined.