Women's and Children's Hospital

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:42): My opening question was: does the government, in this case the Treasurer, agree with the Women's and Children's Health Network submission that SASMOA's members had exaggerated their concerns over patient safety and their own health?

The PRESIDENT: I call the Treasurer, but I remind the member that she is seeking an opinion. The Treasurer can answer, if he wishes.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:43): I am generous to a fault, and I never like to upset the Hon. Ms Bonaros. In relation to the statements to which the honourable member has referred, I would like to see the nature of the statements and the actual statements that the health network made, and to see whether or not that is a fair reflection. I am not disputing it, because I have not seen them, but I think it is not unreasonable for me to take advice to see what was actually said, and then I am very happy to ring up the Hon. Ms Bonaros and say that I have had a look at them and that I either agree or disagree—or maybe I sit on the fence. Let me at least have a look at them before I venture an opinion, and I will do it outside the chamber so that I do not transgress the standing orders.