SA Pathology

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:52): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing about the health and wellbeing of SA Pathology workers.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: As the minister is no doubt aware, the workforce in SA Pathology has been under enormous stress for some time. It was a matter of some concern during the state election issue and has been raised in this place by all members of both the opposition and government as well as the crossbench.

Yesterday, the minister outlined that we are now seeing a six-month review of that workforce and their future with a view to possible privatisation, but acknowledging an already stressed and overloaded workforce, failed by both the human resource demands placed upon them and the technology that they are forced to work with.

Yesterday, the minister stated that the department had informed SA Pathology workers with regard to these changes, but I have received correspondence from Professionals Australia, which states:

We have received no correspondence from the department regarding SA Pathology.

The invitation to attend a department briefing was only made after Professionals Australia contacted Julie Hartley Jones (Group Executive Director of State-wide Clinical Support Services) concerned about the welfare of the staff who work in the service as she had failed to circulate information about the Employee Assistance Program in her email to staff. In conversation with Ms Hartley Jones it was at the Union's suggestion that a meeting with the department occur.

My question to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing is: how will he ensure the health and wellbeing of the SA Pathology staff as they undergo further stresses in this six-month period and have already been let down by the processes with regard to being offered mental health and other supports?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:54): I thank the honourable member for her question and the government appreciates the need to support workers as they undergo change. I was aware of an update issued by Julie Hartley-Jones earlier this week to all staff, and I am aware that there is another update that is being prepared, which will provide workers with information in relation to the Employee Assistance Program. I think the omission in the original email is unfortunate and I agree with the honourable member that it is appropriate that staff be made aware of support mechanisms.