New Women's and Children's Hospital

Mrs HURN (Schubert) (14:43): Just a supplementary, if I may: just noting the meetings that the minister has about the new Women's and Children's Hospital project, has he specifically asked for an update on the project cost this year?

The SPEAKER: That's a separate question.

The Hon. C.J. PICTON (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:43): I regularly as part of cabinet discussions—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Members on my left, if you are going to ask ministers questions, it would be great if you didn't disregard the rules of this place by interjecting.

The Hon. C.J. PICTON: Of course as part of any discussions, whether they are cabinet discussions or discussions I have with my officers, cost is one of the factors that we talk about in terms of this hospital project as well as importantly what the delivery is going to be for patients, for clinicians, making sure we get this hospital right for the long term.

As I have already answered, the tenders for this construction project are going to be mid to late next year. We will be doing everything that we can to make sure that it keeps within that budget, bearing in mind, of course, the construction costs being experienced across the world in terms of escalation that we are seeking to manage as best as we can.