HOSPITAL PARKING FEES

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:50): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government representing the Minister for Health a question regarding parking at hospitals.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I have been contacted by a constituent who was surprised to discover a letter on the noticeboard at Hampstead hospital from the then chief executive of health, Dr Tony Sherbon, which outlined the government's intention to standardise car parking charges at metropolitan hospitals. As a result of this standardisation, staff at Modbury, St Margaret's, Hampstead, Glenside and Repatriation hospitals will face a fortnightly fee of $21.58, which is effectively a $550 decrease in salary for them. Parking is currently free at these sites.

This fee will affect not only staff but visitors as well. I am concerned about this as I understand there are some circumstances where rehabilitation patients may be residing at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre for up to two years. This change will have a large financial impact on the family and friends of these patients who will face parking fees every time they visit. These fees have the potential to act as a deterrent for family and friends to visit, which, in turn, will have a significant impact on the social and overall wellbeing of the clients and families who are already facing many new challenges every day.

I understand that, unlike the Royal Adelaide or The Queen Elizabeth, many of the hospitals are not well serviced by public transport, which leaves little option for staff and visitors other than to drive. The Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre provides specialised services, and many families and friends are required to travel great distances from across the state to see their loved ones.

It may be arguable that charging a fee to park in the city is justifiable as space for parking is limited; however, hospitals in the suburbs do not experience the same problem. It has been suggested that street parking in the vicinity be utilised, however, many visitors and/or outpatients are either elderly or their mobility has been affected by their illness or disability, making walking a challenge.

Further, I understand that staff have concerns about their safety and their vehicles if left unattended on nearby streets. Notwithstanding these issues, undoubtedly, councils would soon be inundated with complaints from residents about the increased traffic on the streets and move to restrict parking conditions. My questions to the minister are:

1. Why was the decision made to standardise hospital parking fees, particularly when standardised parking facilities will not be provided across sites?

2. Were affected staff consulted before the decision was made to make these changes?

3. Will provisions be made to compensate staff, clients and families who are adversely affected by these changes and, if not, why not?

4. What is the estimated net revenue expected for each of the metropolitan hospitals from these new charges?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (14:53): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I will refer those to the Minister for Health in another place and bring back a response.