New Women's and Children's Hospital

Mrs HURN (Schubert) (15:02): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Has the minister received any formal advice in relation to a cost increase for the new Women's and Children's Hospital and, if so, what was it and will it be made public? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

The SPEAKER: There are a few questions already, but leave is sought; is leave granted?

Leave granted.

Mrs HURN: On 10 February of this year the Under Treasurer, Ms Tammie Pribanic, when asked if she had received a cost estimate that the hospital is likely to blow out, said the following:

We have certainly received cost estimates that show there are pressures on the budget.

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:03): That is absolutely consistent with what the Under Treasurer said to the Budget and Finance Committee. This is something where, with any capital works project, we are making sure that we are undertaking the due diligence in terms of making sure that they deliver the best possible outcome for the taxpayer, while also the best possible outcome for the women and children who will use this hospital. That work is underway, as I said in relation to the previous question, as we are going through that detailed planning, as we are going through that detailed work in terms of our contracting arrangements, to make sure that we can get the best value for money.