Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:32): Could I confirm that the minister's reaffirmation of the government's commitment to The QEH includes that the cath lab will continue to be a 24/7, not a part-time, service?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (14:32): I am very grateful for the fact that The QEH under this government will be remaining in public hands forever, which means that we are, as the government, the masters of the destiny of The QEH—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS: —which means that the people of South Australia—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Minister, take your seat.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Will the Leader of the Government in this chamber please desist and have a little bit of regard for your ministerial colleague—

An honourable member interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I didn't ask your opinion—allowing him to answer the question. I would ask the opposition to allow the minister to answer a question that you have asked him. Minister.

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS: We believe that one of the key reasons The QEH always remained in public hands is so that the public can exercise its influence through our system of democracy to ensure that they get the services they deserve. That is why the Premier has made a clear commitment about the retention of key services, including cardiac services, at The QEH. That commitment will be delivered upon in conjunction with the other components of his commitment, including to spend $270 million on that site.

The PRESIDENT: A supplementary, the Hon. Mr Wade.