HealthCare Sector Workers

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:45): Supplementary: what steps is the minister taking to address the clear link between low public sector wages, the growing recruitment and retention crisis, and the increase in agency privatisation by stealth, in effect?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:45): I thank the honourable member for her question. It is something that has been raised not just today, when I had the privilege of meeting with many of these workers, but at other times when I have met with workers in these industries in their workplaces, in my office, in the Deputy Premier's office, to discuss issues. That certainly has been raised.

That is one of the reasons, although not the primary reason. The primary reason is to make sure that people who are working in these roles receive real wage increases, properly paid. It does have the benefit, as well, of making that work more attractive. Better pay will attract more workers, recognising that it is a very tight labour market and there are many areas that are finding it difficult to attract workers right across the economy and in industries in South Australia at the moment.