Code Black Calls

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:37): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General, representing the Minister for Health, a question about hospital Code Black calls.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: A report by The Advertiser from 14 February found that Code Black calls for security help from frightened health workers have increased drastically, with SA Health staff calling for urgent security help an average of 40 times every day. In the Limestone Coast, calls for help rocketed from just seven in 2021 to 159 last year, while in Yorke and Northern they soared from 45 to 211 and in Eyre and Far North they went from 27 to 73. In total, Code Black calls rose from 12,990 in 2021 to 14,816 in 2024. My questions to the Leader of the Government are:

1. What new strategy will the government be implementing to ensure the safety of hospital and health workers across the state?

2. Given that a large proportion of the increase in Code Black calls are from regional hospitals, what actions will the government be undertaking to specifically address the unique issues and challenges faced by regional hospitals and healthcare providers?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for her questions. I will refer them to the Minister for Health in another place and bring back an answer for her.