Limestone Coast Local Health Network

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (14:52): My question is to the Minister for Health. Has the recruitment process started for the replacement of Grant King, chair of our regional health board, who steps down in three weeks' time.

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:52): Thank you very much to the member for Mount Gambier for his question and his significant interest in health on the Limestone Coast.

First, can I pay tribute to Grant King for his incredible service not only in terms of being the Limestone Coast Local Health Network inaugural chair but also more broadly across the Limestone Coast for the many, many facets in which he has provided exceptional leadership and hard work for the community. I was successful a year ago in convincing Mr King to extend his service as chair, but I was unsuccessful in convincing him to continue further. He has particular family commitments that mean the time required to be the chair, which is a really significant amount of time each week, was becoming too difficult, but he goes with our significant thanks for the work he has done.

Obviously, there is a process underway in terms of not just that board but also other boards across the state. We had a public call for nominations, for which a number of people put up their hands. These have been analysed and considered, and I have been taking advice, in particular from Grant King himself, in terms of the make-up we should have of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network board following his departure. Once we go through the appropriate cabinet processes, etc., I am expecting to have an announcement very shortly.