Question Time

Coronavirus, Education

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding public health. When did the minister or his office first learn of the secret SA Health report that includes a SAHMRI evidence review into school closures? Did the minister or any of his staff order the department not to release the secret report? How much weight was given to the secret report in decisions around school closures or openings?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:21): I thank the honourable member for his question. To suggest that this is a secret report is both a slur and it's mischievous. The fact of the matter is that the existence of the report was made very public by the Chief Public Health Officer at a press conference in relation to the coronavirus epidemic. I would suggest that if we wanted to keep a report secret, we wouldn't have our leading public health clinician discussing it in public. So thanks for your strategic advice but we will consider it in due course. Let me tell you what that same person said in relation to the release of that report:

Although evidence is limited, an independent review commissioned around two months ago into modelling studies—which are not based on actual data but instead on experiences with other viruses such as influenza—suggested closing schools may have some impact on reducing transmission and delaying the peak, but would not necessarily reduce the height of the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This report formed part of a wide range of evidence and opinion considered by AHPPC. Since the report was written, SA and other states have evaluated their own experience with cases in schools.

South Australia's decision to keep schools open is in line with AHPPC's advice and in along with our wider public health strategies, it was determined schools are safe and a critical part of the fight against COVID-19.