McGowan, Dr C.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding Silver Chain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Yesterday, in the other place, the Premier was asked whether chief executives are expected to answer truthfully to parliamentary committees. The Premier responded, and I quote, 'Yes, I'm sure that is the case.' In this chamber, the minister yesterday refused to answer that simple question. My questions to the minister are:

1. Will the minister explain why he has a different opinion from the Premier's opinion that chief executives are expected to answer truthfully to parliamentary committees?

2. Why hasn't the minister satisfied himself that his Chief Executive of SA Health, Dr Chris McGowan, has not misled a parliamentary committee?

3. Will the minister provide a full explanation of this matter, including any conversations he has had with Dr McGowan, and clarify whether he continues to have confidence in Dr McGowan.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:23): I thank the honourable member for her questions. Let me answer her last question first: yes, I do have confidence in Mr McGowan. Obviously, I did not suggest to the parliament yesterday that public servants are not required to speak truthfully to parliament. The—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! I cannot hear the minister.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Just wait, minister.

The Hon. E.S. Bourke: The minister spoke very loudly yesterday. I can't hear him today.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: I thank the honourable member for her protection; I appreciate it. I just want to clarify what happened at Budget and Finance Committee. At the meeting of parliament's Budget and Finance Committee on 28 October 2019, Dr McGowan took on notice some questions relating to any potential involvement with RDNS Silver Chain. A response to those questions, I am advised, has been provided to the secretary of the committee. The response says:

In fulfilment of my undertaking to take questions on notice at Budget and Finance Committee on 28 October 2019 and provide answers to the Committee, I have reviewed the SA Health contracts awarded to Silver Chain since being appointed Chief Executive, Department for Health and Wellbeing. From the documents I have reviewed, there has been one contract extension and two briefings for the Minister involving RDNS Silver Chain. In all three, RDNS Silver Chain was one member of a panel of providers. I can advise that:

On 30 November 2018, I endorsed a request for authority to expend funds for the execution of sexually transmissible infections and blood borne viruses program. The authority covered eight suppliers, including RDNS SA. The agreement with RDNS SA was for a 2.5-year contract extension with a value of $1.28m.

On 27 May 2019, I endorsed the continuation of an existing contract for a panel of four suppliers, including RDNS SA, for the delivery of the SA Community Care program. I was not involved in the procurement of the original contract, which was over a five-year period and involved a one year, plus one year, plus three-year extension. The 2019/20 budget for the program, across all four suppliers, is $24.98m.

On 19 July 2019, I authorised financial approval for the Long Stay Patient: Short Term Transition to Discharge Project. This Project was jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, providing funding over two years to a panel of providers. Subsequent to my authorisation, and without my involvement, the Project progressed to procurement and RDNS SA was among the selected providers.

In this process I did not amend any recommendations on any of these authorisations.

All of the relevant documentation regarding these authorisations has been provided to the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment for her review.

That is the end of the answer. The Commissioner for Public Sector Employment is undertaking an investigation after Dr McGowan referred himself to her for such an investigation, and I understand that the commissioner has asked an independent investigator to undertake this for her.