Forensic Science SA

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:34): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Attorney-General regarding state government facilities.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: Alarming reports, including photographs, demonstrate the urgent need for upgrades and repairs for the Forensic Science SA facilities in Divett Place, Adelaide. The Forensic Science department is well renowned, yet their facilities are in disrepair. My understanding is the lease expires in 2027, yet the building is inadequate and over capacity right now in 2023. My questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. Can the minister please provide an update on what stage the plans are at? Has the relocation schedule been devised?

2. What can be shared about the current state of facilities or what advice has the Attorney-General received so far regarding the adequacy of the facilities currently?

3. Can the minister also update the chamber on the temporary and portable facilities being used by Forensic Science SA?

4. What stopgap measures have been taken to address the particular areas that are already breaking? For example, we have heard reports of blood dripping through the ceilings onto the workspaces below. Can the minister update the chamber?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:36): I thank the honourable member for her questions. I am very pleased to provide an update in relation to that. It's a question government members may have well asked me. We committed in the last budget just under $350 million—I think about $348.9 million—for the building of a brand-new, purpose-built facility for Forensic Science SA.

For four long years of the former government, not a thing was done, not a single thing was done. We come to government and we have announced in our second budget a whole new Forensic Science SA facility: nearly $350 million so that the exceptional team of scientists and workers at Forensic Science SA—who do a remarkable world-leading job in terms of forensics in South Australia that aids in a massive way keeping South Australians safe by the works that they do in investigations leading to prosecutions or with the Coroner—get a brand-new facility that is purpose-built and will suit their needs now and into the future.

I am very proud that this government has made this commitment and it stands in stark contrast to what the deputy leader's party did when they were in government.