World AIDS Day

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question without notice to the minister representing the Minister for Health on the topic of World AIDS Day.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Today, 1 December, is World AIDS Day, a day to raise awareness about issues surrounding HIV and AIDS and a day to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died. According to the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, there are an estimated 29,000 people currently living with HIV in Australia. Since 2016, notifications of HIV have declined by 37 per cent. This decline has been attributed to beneficial interventions in prevention, diagnosis and treatments.

In Adelaide, people living with HIV can access a number of services, in particular through the O'Brien Street clinic. Earlier this year, it was announced that the O'Brien Street clinic would be relocating the services to a new location. The O'Brien Street clinic provides health services for more than 250 HIV positive patients, plus many more with complex health needs. The service is discreet and conveniently located. A report, along with recommendations, I understand, has been submitted to CALHN by Professor Judith Dwyer regarding the relocation of these services. My question to the minister therefore is:

1. What are the latest approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment for HIV and AIDS in South Australia?

2. Can the Attorney-General, representing the health minister, provide an update on the relocation of the services of the O'Brien Street clinic?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:13): I thank the honourable member for his question and acknowledge the important role that he has played in the community in his advocacy, not just at a state level but previously at a local government and at a federal government level. I know the honourable member has advocated in areas of HIV prevention in terms of funding for sexual health services and treatment, so I acknowledge the leadership the Hon. Robert Simms has taken in this area. I will be most pleased to pass his questions on to the health minister in another place and bring back a reply.