Modbury Hospital

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:42): This is a new question. My question is to the Minister for Health. I thank the Minister for Health for confirming that he will not listen to departmental advice in relation to how he undertakes his duties.

The PRESIDENT: You are debating the question and making comment, and you have not asked leave to make a personal explanation. It is a straight question.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: My question without debate or comment is: will the minister please outline the views of the South Australian branch of the AMA in relation to the establishment of a stand-alone high dependency unit at Modbury Hospital? Will the minister also outline the views of the College of Intensive Care Medicine about his plan to establish a stand-alone high dependency unit at the Modbury Hospital and will the minister outline a single relevant specialist who thinks it's a good and safe thing to do to establish a stand-alone HDU at Modbury?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:43): In relation to the AMA, I don't answer for the AMA, but I refer the minister to the AMA's website; it is published there. In relation to the intensive care college, I also don't answer for the intensive care college and I am not aware of any public statement by that college in relation to this issue. In terms of the range of clinicians, I will continue to take advice from a whole range of clinicians and I will continue to balance them and take into account not only the department's advice but that of a whole range of clinicians.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Let him answer the question. Show him the courtesy that you were shown as a minister.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: That I was shown as a minister? I am happy to extend exactly that same courtesy, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: Perhaps from me on the floor.