Gayle's Law

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:51): Supplementary: is it fair to say that the Woodford family, including Gayle's widower, Keith Woodford, were not aware that the legislation had not actually become operational in December last year and that they were not informed of the consultation process at any point until you contacted them most recently?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:51): I think it's a fair point to make that the parliament and the government of South Australia have let the Woodford family down in two respects. First of all, as an opposition member, I was in no doubt from my briefings and my discussions with the government that the legislation was, if you like, a statement in principle. It couldn't have detailed effect until the regulations were in place. There wasn't enough clarity in the legislation itself. So I am very disappointed that the former government didn't properly brief the Woodford family to make sure that they understood that.

Secondly, I am disappointed that my department didn't take the opportunity to keep the Woodford family informed through this consultation process. I am keen to give them a briefing personally to make sure that their views will have an impact on the development of the regulations.