Legislative Council Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2) 54 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Answers to Questions Operation Flinders Operation Flinders The Hon. E.S. BOURKE Legislative Council Operation Flinders In reply to the Hon. E.S. BOURKE (16 June 2020). The Hon. S.G. WADE Legislative Council Minister for Health and Wellbeing Operation Flinders The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing): I have been advised: 1.	In considering resourcing external events, the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) first priority must be to ensure they are able to meet the ambulance service needs of the South Australian community, whilst at the same time adhering to legislative requirements, particularly in relation to working hours, overtime and fatigue. In 2019, staff attending Operation Flinders were abstracted from normal rosters for a total of 895 hours. This creates a significant operational impact and would in fact result in more pressure on paramedics. It is not sustainable to resource events such as these with dedicated paramedics. 2.	SAAS remains committed to supporting the event in any way it can without undermining its own ability to respond to the community. 3.	SAAS has been providing support to Operations Flinders as a charitable donation.