Question Time

Country Hospitals

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:26): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Health and Wellbeing a question about public health.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: On 12 March this year, the minister and the Premier released a joint statement about upgrades to country hospitals. The release in part stated, 'South Australia will benefit almost immediately.' The release went on to say, 'The $15 million will boost local economies, trigger immediate jobs and provide better health services.' On 26 March, a further media statement from the Premier about COVID-19 stimulus stated:

This complements the $350 million we announced earlier this month, focused on shovel-ready infrastructure maintenance jobs such as hospital and road upgrades…

During a recent discussion the chief executive of SA Health couldn't answer any questions about the health-related COVID-19 stimulus announcements. The minister has been asked about these matters previously so it may well be that he can provide and inform parliament in greater detail today. My question to the minister is: have the immediate and shovel-ready fire and safety upgrades at the Eudunda Hospital been completed?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:28): The honourable member asks in relation to the Eudunda project, which relates to the fire service of the client's upgrade in relation to fire tanks, pumps and sprinklers. The budget is $350,000. I am advised that the process is well underway. A tender is expected to be issued in July and the completion of the project is forecast to be February 2021.