HEARING LOOPS

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (14:44): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations, representing the Minister for Disability, a question regarding hearing loops in government buildings.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT: Hearing loops are important devices which promote hearing assistance to people with hearing aids and, in turn, promote their social and intellectual inclusion and wellbeing. I note that a hearing loop has been installed recently in this place—and I congratulate the powers that be on this. I understand that government buildings support the use of hearing loops. My questions are:

1. How many state government buildings are currently equipped with hearing loops in South Australia?

2. How many of these hearing loops are currently functioning?

3. What routine maintenance, if any, is in place in state government buildings to ensure that hearing loops are maintained effectively?

4. If hearing loops within state government buildings are not functioning, when will these devices be fixed?

5, Does the state government have any plans to extend the provision of hearing loops in state government buildings? If so, which buildings are these?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:45): I thank the honourable member for her most important questions on hearing loops. I will pass those questions on to the Minister for Disability in another place and bring back a response.