Coronavirus

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:26): My question is to the South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding public health, because he is responsible for South Australia. The minister has now had two weeks to avail himself of updated numbers since being asked questions about our health system. I am wondering if the minister, if he is across it now, can answer how many ventilators there are at this point in time in South Australia. How many ventilators does South Australia have on order and when will they arrive? How many trained nurses are currently available to work in intensive care? How many more, apart from the 80 who were already mentioned, are being trained to do so?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:26): I could say, 'Read my previous answer,' but let me restate what I have already told the house.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The honourable Leader of the Opposition, the minister will be heard in silence.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: What I told the council on the last occasion was that there were more than 300 ICU beds in South Australia and a further 60 ventilators.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Point of order: the question was nothing about ICU beds at all. The minister is trying to cover up his lack of knowledge for a second time.

The PRESIDENT: Minister, sit down. There is no point of order. The minister will answer as to how he sees fit. You know that. The Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: We have a further 60 ventilators available for surge capacity.