SA Pathology

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:47): Further supplementary: can the minister guarantee the future of regional laboratories such as Mount Gambier, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Victor Harbor and Wallaroo?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:47): The honourable member should actually go back and do a bit of history. My recollection is that the former Labor government took months to rule out closing regional clinics. What this government has consistently said is that we believe in regional health services. That's why we have actually devolved control to local people. Unlike the former Labor government, which allowed country health services to wither on the vine, whether it's SA Pathology or its local health networks, we will continue to work with country people to actually improve the quality of services in the country.