Modbury Hospital

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:59): In relation to the minister's comments in his original answer in relation to the so-called investment by the Labor Party in Modbury Hospital, can the minister confirm that the Transforming Health plan reduced the amount promised to be invested in the Modbury Hospital from $46 million by $14 million?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (14:59): I will gladly take every opportunity that we get between now and March next year to confirm the investments that we are making at Modbury Hospital. I will tell you what we won't be doing: we won't be coming up with on-the-run policies for the Modbury Hospital that have been rushed out into the media. Why? Because there is a reshuffle. The Hon. Mr Wade—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS: The Hon. Mr Wade has been the shadow spokesperson for health for some time now. He has had a good run at developing policies to take to the people of South Australia at the next state election when it comes to public health. Then, all of a sudden we have a reshuffle and what does Mr Wade do? He cooks up a policy in respect of Modbury to reintroduce a four-bed HDU and emergency surgery—no details, no consultation with clinicians.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS: We won't make the same mistake, because we are going to get out and talk to people. We are going to get out and talk to dozens of clinicians. We won't make decisions that will compromise people's safety. That's what we won't do. We will do the opposite; we will talk to clinicians. We will make sure we get the decision right. Once we announce our decision, we will have that argument, we will prosecute our case. We will have the support of the clinicians, we will have the support of locals. And Mr Wade will be condemned for coming up with a rushed policy—cooked up. Why? Because of a reshuffle. It will be shame on him.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Mr Dawkins has the floor. I want him to ask a question, and I want the minister to answer the question without interjection.