Code Black Calls

In reply to the Hon. J.S. LEE ().19 February 2025).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:

1. A rise in violence and aggression has been experienced across numerous sectors worldwide, SA Health continues to focus on the safety, security, and wellbeing of its workforce.

The 'Abuse shouldn't be part of the job' Respectful Behaviours Campaign will be extended, following the successful rollout last year. The advertisements highlight the unacceptable abuse levelled at our health workers and call for respect for our doctors, nurses, ambulance officers and other health workers. The TV ad campaign is backed by six health unions and draws from real-life experiences of our public hospital staff, featuring real workers and actors.

The campaign adds to the improved security measures that have already been put in place as we work to implement the ANMF's 10-point plan to end violence and aggression in our hospitals.

This includes the employment of 24/7 security guards across major regional hubs, as well as fit-for-purpose technology and design throughout the suite of new health infrastructure currently under construction and already delivered.

The SA Health Positive Behaviour Support Framework has been updated to align to the latest evidence-based practice, it will be finalised in coming months following recent consultation.

All local health networks have security service agreements in place with dedicated portfolios supporting the ongoing work to meet the framework's objectives. These include training staff in working with consumers who display behaviours of concern related to prevention, management, and response, and embarking on infrastructure projects that improve and expand safety and security measures.

2. Increasing awareness of the importance of reporting has seen an improvement in the reporting culture within SA Health and reporting of incidents by staff. Improved reporting helps us learn from incidents and make improvements.

The unique issues and challenges faced by regional hospitals and healthcare providers are acknowledged. Security upgrades are being undertaken across multiple regional health services, including CCTV, access control, duress systems, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) measures, dedicated points of entry, security screens and door and hardware replacements, additional external lighting, security fencing, and bollard installations.

Port Pirie, Wallaroo, Whyalla, Mount Barker, Gawler, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, and Mount Gambier health services have all strategically implemented security guards on site.

The department continues to work closely with all the local health networks to support them all with their security posture. Furthermore, the department has developed the SA Health Agency Security Plan consistent with the South Australian Protective Security Framework requirements which elevates the agency's security maturity.