Legislative Council: Thursday, December 02, 2021

Contents

Auslan Interpreters

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:59): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. I welcomed the introduction of an Auslan interpreter at today's COVID presser. Will the minister now update the previous question asked as to why they have been so absent from more recent press conferences on COVID by the Marshall government?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:00): I haven't received the answer to the previous question, but I would question the 'so absent'. I do agree that there were some press conferences where—

The Hon. T.A. Franks interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. S.G. WADE: As I said—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: I would like to hear the minister's answer and I can't at the moment.

The Hon. K.J. Maher: It's very rude!

The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the Opposition, I can't hear the minister. I am sure the Hon. Ms Franks wants to hear him.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: I make the point that there have been occasions where there hasn't been an interpreter present and the honourable member rightly highlighted that we need to make sure that we are communicating to all South Australians. I haven't received an answer to the previous question, but I can assure you that SA Health is alert to the need to communicate broadly.