House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-11-11 Daily Xml

Contents

Repatriation General Hospital

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:23): What message does the minister have for the veterans community, who are concerned about the government's refusal to rule out the closure of the Repatriation General Hospital in South Australia?

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:23): Any changes that we make will result in better health services for all South Australians, and that includes veterans. I know very well the health needs of the veteran population. I have a father who is a Vietnam veteran. I would never do anything to harm the health services available to veterans of South Australia. I can guarantee one thing—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: And I won't be shouted down by the opposition. I can guarantee one thing, and that is: any changes we make will be tailored and better provide services to our veterans, who I have always stood shoulder to shoulder with, unlike you lot.

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Health is called to order for referring to Her Majesty's opposition as 'you lot'. Leader.

The Hon. T.R. Kenyon interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Newland is called to order, also. Leader.