COVID-19 Direction Accountability and Oversight Committee

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.A. Simms:

That the report of the committee be noted.

(Continued from 30 November 2022.)

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (23:20): The government notes the report and thanks the joint committee, which I was most proud to be a member of, for its work exploring South Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 22 March 2020 and 24 May 2022, a major emergency declaration was in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in South Australia. During that time, a range of directions were issued under the South Australian Emergency Management Act 2004. They were enacted to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

South Australia has never experienced an emergency event as complex and as lengthy as the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are undoubtedly learnings that will help determine how the state manages future emergencies. I note the federal government's recent COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report, which provides a number of recommendations to increase Australia's readiness in the event of a future pandemic, including the establishment of the Australian Centre for Disease Control. Monitoring the management of COVID-19 has been incorporated into the broader functions and responsibilities within public health and other areas of SA Health and as part of business management tools used across agencies and stakeholders to manage any infectious diseases.

I also note that the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, as minister responsible, has responded to the committee regarding this report and its recommendations. The government subsequently provided support for the establishment of this select committee and I thank the Chair and all members of this important committee.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (23:22): I thank the Hon. Emily Bourke for her contribution not only to the debate tonight but also to the committee. I recognise that one of the hallmarks of the success of the South Australian COVID response was actually that all sides of politics respected the expert advice.

I want to recognise the leadership of a former member of this place, the Hon. Stephen Wade, who was health minister during that time, during what I think would have been a very difficult time to be in that portfolio. He certainly had to make some very difficult decisions and I do commend him for the leadership that he showed at that time. I also recognise the work of the current health minister, the Hon. Chris Picton, in engaging with the committee and the recommendations, and indeed supporting the establishment of a select committee, which is ongoing and continues to hear evidence around the COVID pandemic and how we responded.

Motion carried.