Hospital Beds

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:45): Final supplementary arising from the answer: isn't it the case, minister, that you will not reopen these beds because you need to save $41 million this financial year to comply with KordaMentha's directions?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:45): I'd encourage the Leader of the Opposition not to spread scurrilous rumours.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Order! I can't hear.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Minister! Minister!

The Hon. S.G. WADE: If the Treasurer finds out that I can save $41 million by keeping one ward closed, I think he would be on me like a flash.

The PRESIDENT: I couldn't hear the minister's answer to your own question, Leader of the Opposition.