Question Time

COVID-19 Publicity

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:45): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding communications.

The PRESIDENT: I would invite the Hon. Mr Gilfillan, probably, to remove his cap, thank you. The Hon. Ms Burke, I will ask you to go again. I am sorry, I was distracted.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: That is alright, we have a rebel in the gallery. I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding communications.

Leave granted.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: The Plains Producer, a regional newspaper, reported yesterday about their poor treatment by both SA Health and the minister's office, and I quote:

Narrunga MP Fraser Ellis this week has stepped in on behalf of all country SA journalists penning a letter to Health Minister Stephen Wade to act. The MP explained that his office is also among regional outlets to go without notification on the Port Wakefield exposure site.

He goes on to quote:

Despite it being imperative that constituents be advised of this development so they can react and get tested should they have visited this petrol station on Monday afternoon, I reported no notification to the electorate office and nor to the Plains Producer editor Michelle Wilksch, despite repeated requests for information and answers to posed questions from journalists.

The MP refers to the treatment as 'unacceptable'. The member for Narungga further writes:

I formally request that country newspapers such as the Plains Producer are afforded the same courtesy and service as metropolitan news outlets receive. It is especially vital during a pandemic, when information sharing and advice to test and isolate etc. is so important, that country media outlets, as the best placed locally trusted news sources, receive the facts/advice to circulate efficiently.

My questions to the minister are:

1. Given the government's city-focus budget, its fixation on a new city basketball stadium and now these revelations that country communities can't get a straight answer from the minister's office, can the minister understand how regional communities and their local MPs feel like they have been hung out to dry?

2. Given the government had one of its own country MPs cross the floor to vote with Labor to ensure regional representation on the COVID-19 Transition Committee, what exactly will the minister do to address the crisis of confidence in regional communities and how they are being treated by the minister's office and SA Health?

The PRESIDENT: The Minister will ignore the opinion in that explanation. The minister has the call.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:47): Indeed, Mr President, I will, and because there was so much opinion and so few questions my answer will also be very brief. I indicated yesterday that we could do better and we will strive to do better. I also respect the member for Narungga enough to not send messages to him through members of the Labor Party. I will be giving the member for Narungga a respectful response, directly.