Public Sector Employees

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (14:32): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General regarding public servants.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.R. HOOD: Doctors and medical professionals have a duty to advocate for patient safety and the effective functioning of a health system. Dr Megan Brooks had testified that she received what she described as an intimidating letter from the Attorney-General's Department after she spoke publicly about ambulance ramping and health system failures. My question to the Attorney-General is: what steps is the Attorney-General taking to reassure South Australian health professionals that they can speak out about critical health issues without fear of retribution from his or any department?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:33): I thank the honourable member for his question. As I answered in the last question, I certainly won't be going into details that are between lawyers in relation to matters where correspondence has been sent between parties' lawyers.

I can say that right across the public sector we have many, many valuable people who contribute greatly to this state. They are in a wide range of various frontline services: in emergency services, police, ambulance, firefighters, and particularly in relation to those who work in hospitals. They are all valued employees of this state, and I think members from both sides and the crossbench would acknowledge the valuable work that many people do in the public sector.