Question Time

Hospital Beds

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:24): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding hospital beds. Minister, given that the budget papers show the operational funding and all FTEs allocated to COVID measures end this financial year, does the budget contain any money to continue operating the promised 392 beds after 30 June? Also, how many of these 392 beds are operational right now and, finally, does the budget contain any funding to continue the 712 FTE staff listed under this measure after 30 June?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:25): In relation to the 2022-23 budget, it will hardly surprise the honourable member that the government that is elected on 19 March will be constructing that budget, and so the ongoing need for resources that are funded in the COVID context will be assessed in the context of that budget and in the context of the progress of the pandemic at the time. In terms of the 392 beds, my understanding is that 300 of them are currently commissioned.