Elective Surgery

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:13): Further supplementary arising from the answer: is it that some may be cancelled? Is it that others have guaranteed it? Or is it that, as you told through the media this morning, nothing will be cancelled? You have had three different positions through the course of today.

The PRESIDENT: Leader of the Opposition—

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Which is it? What are you going to tell the house?

The PRESIDENT: Leader of the Opposition, sit down. Minister, the first part of the question is in order.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:13): The fact of the matter is that the elective surgery policy—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! You have asked your question. Let him answer your question.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: The fact of the matter is that the SA Health elective surgery policy allows surgery to be postponed and cancelled, not on the basis of industrial action but on relevant factors such as—goodness knows what the week may bring. We may well have staff—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. S.G. WADE: Let's say an operating theatre breaks down or an anaesthetist is not available—there are other issues at the hospital but I can assure the people of South Australia that the SA Health policy does not allow for the cancellation of surgery on the basis of industrial action. The industrial tribunal has issued an order that the elective surgery policy shall be followed.