Question Time

SA Pathology

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Does the minister think it was appropriate to tell SA Pathology clinicians via talkback radio this morning that one in seven of them would be losing their job, and how will these 200 staff at SA Pathology who are to lose their jobs be determined?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:26): The honourable member asks me about comments I made in the media earlier today. Basically, simultaneously with my comments in the media the unions were being informed. The reality is—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Can the opposition benchers please calm down. If you wish to ask those questions ask them on your feet when the minister has completed this answer. Minister.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: I need to clarify that the PricewaterhouseCoopers report does not include an FT estimate. The high-level analysis that was provided to me was indicative and, in that regard, further work will need to be done on each of the projects to determine the impact. I would clarify that, in contrast to the estimate in relation to the PwC reports, Labor's report, the Ernst and Young report, was having an FTE impact of more than 330.