HOSPITAL SECURITY

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to directing a question to the minister representing the Minister for Health on the subject of security costs in major Adelaide hospitals.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Members will be well aware of the many examples in the media and from consultation with constituents of the significant security costs incurred by our major metropolitan hospitals ensuring security of staff and other patients in relation to some patients who are suffering either mental health issues, drug issues or indeed they may well be issues in relation to being held in various forms of custody and needing to be secured for those reasons as well. My question to the minister is: can he provide for each of the last three financial years and the year-to-date figures for 2013-14 the costs incurred by SA Health for additional security in the circumstances that I have outlined at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre, Lyell McEwen Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:10): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. I undertake to take it to the Minister for Health and Ageing in another place and to seek a response on the honourable member's behalf.