Health Infrastructure

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:35): Supplementary: when proposing the car park for the new hospital, did you consult with Aboriginal elders in regard to burial sites?

The PRESIDENT: I will allow the minister to respond to that, if he wishes.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:35): Yes, because it does actually relate to my responsibility, which is the construction of—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. S.G. WADE: I'm sorry I'm so forgiving and let you get on to relevance. Now that this is being asked of a relevant minister, let me say that I have great confidence—

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Point of order, sir.

The PRESIDENT: The minister will resume his seat. The Leader of the Opposition has a point of order.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: The minister constantly refers to 'you' in saying what you are allowing him to do, sir.

The PRESIDENT: I think the minister knows exactly who he is referring to when he says 'you'. I would remind other members of this chamber that they sometimes by accident accuse me of doing things.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: In terms of the work in building the new Women's and Children's Hospital, a project that the previous government dropped in its previous term in government, we are very keen to deliver the $1.9 billion investment in health infrastructure. Part of that facility is proposed to be on the western side of the railway line. I am sure that my officers are undertaking all relevant consultation in relation to that site. Certainly, there are significant consultations going on with the City Council in relation to Parklands. In relation to Aboriginal heritage in particular, I am not aware of any issues being raised with me in relation to Aboriginal heritage on that site.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Bourke has a supplementary question arising from the original answer.