Medical Scientists

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:50): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Science and Information Economy a question about medical scientists in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: A leading doctor in Adelaide recently described the work of medical scientists as the 'mission enabler' of health care, saying that, 'without their work, we would still be in the Dark Ages'. Medical scientists are professionals who have a role in informing treatment options for the most vulnerable in our community, yet Sarah Andrews, the South Australian director of Professionals Australia, which represents over 25,000 science, technology and engineering professionals, stated in a The Advertiser article that there is a growing move in our hospitals to put medical scientists on short-term contracts or to replace them with technicians.

Ms Andrews continues, 'Scientists face an uphill battle to secure research funding.' Therefore, many young scientists are choosing alternate careers, which does not bode well for the future of the industry. Ms Andrews called on the government to ensure that medical scientists are recognised and rewarded. My questions of the minister are:

1. What strategies will the minister introduce to improve the job security of medical scientists in South Australia?

2. What reforms will the minister implement to ensure the retention of scientists in South Australia?

3. Will the minister establish a pilot study to evaluate alternative funding models for this important sector?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:51): I thank the member for her question. The pilot study would be how to study the federal government's savage cuts to research, to the CSIRO and a raft of other areas.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: I'm walking out, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: In absolute horror. See, you've upset the Hon. Mr Lucas with your outrageous behaviour.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: A number of crossbenchers have questions they want to ask, so the more time we waste the less chance they have of getting their questions. I know that would horrify the Hon. Mr Parnell; would that be right?