Women's and Children's Hospital

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:22): Supplementary, since virtually all of the question hasn't been answered: when will construction commence? Will the hospital be a public-private partnership or will it be government built and operated? They are simple questions; it would be good to have an answer.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:22): I always get simple questions from simple opposition.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Allow the minister to answer.

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: Stop being so excited, Clare.

The PRESIDENT: I don't need any assistance, the Hon. Mr Stephens.

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: And that's not sexist.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Stephens!

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: Sorry.

The PRESIDENT: I don't like your utterings from the backbench. Minister, go on.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: As I said, the government has already provisioned $550 million in the 2019-20 state budget to commence the planning phase. The planning phase will include the progression of planning, design and cost estimates for the new Women's and Children's Hospital and the development of a final business case, which will be progressed over the course of 2020. The issue that the honourable member raises in terms of a PPP is not a matter for me: it's a matter for the Treasurer. With all due respect, it's the Treasurer who pays my bills.