Mental Health Services

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:53): Supplementary: given that only 23 per cent of those clients are currently qualifying for NDIS and that the number is not likely to reach the target that the government proposes, has SA Health produced any projections in relation to the potential increased costs of emergency department presentations, and have they been compared to the savings of cutting primary mental health services?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:53): I don't agree with the premise of the honourable member's question. Considering that we already have 32 per cent of people who are already declared as eligible—in other words, NDIS—

The Hon. C. Bonaros: Seventy per cent who are not.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: Sorry; with all due respect I am not saying that that is the limit of people who could be eligible. Sorry, Mr President, I should answer through you. The 32 per cent of clients who have been deemed eligible for the NDIS will progressively move into the category of those who have approved and funded NDIS plans. We already have 23 per cent who have approved and funded NDIS plans, and I would be very hopeful that there will be very significant progress in the next financial year for the funded plans to be rolled out and for clients to take control of their own care.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Bonaros, a further supplementary?