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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2019-06-05 Daily Xml
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Mental Health Services

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:42): My question is to the Premier. Premier, will state-based mental health NGO programs be subject to a $6.8 million, or a 25 per cent reduction, in their funding from July or not?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:42): I have already answered this question. As I said, I find it deeply disturbing that those opposite are not listening to the basic logic of what has occurred.

Mr Picton interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Kaurna is interjecting during the Premier's answer and he is warned for a second and final time.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: So I would like to take this opportunity to make it crystal clear, and then after I have made it crystal clear it will be very interesting to see whether those opposite are prepared to do the honourable thing and to go out and correct the record—

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Point of order, sir: imputing improper motive to the opposition every time we ask the Premier a question.

The SPEAKER: I have the point of order. By the Premier asking whether members will do the honourable thing, the member for West Torrens has taken it to mean that it may be imputing that they may be acting or will act in a way that is inconsistent with the honourable thing.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I have the point. I think it's on the edge. I ask the Premier to come back, however, to the substance of the question.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Thank you very much, sir. I will outline to the house in detail what has occurred. I find it almost impossible to believe, though, sir, that those opposite do not understand this, but here we go. First of all, there has been no reduction in funding for disability or mental health services as characterised by the member for Kaurna in his question only moments ago.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Secondly, $6.8 million has been transferred to the NDIS to cover the services for those clients who are eligible for transfer to the NDIS.

Mr Picton interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Kaurna is on two warnings again.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Funding that was previously under the state jurisdiction for these clients—as the clients transfer to the NDIS, so too does the funding. That's precisely what has occurred. I am informed that 25 per cent of clients in the Individual Psychosocial Rehabilitation Support Services (IPRSS) program have been approved for NDIS funding, and state funding for those clients is now being transferred.

Mr Picton: The programs are full.

The SPEAKER: The member for Kaurna can leave for the remainder of the question time.

The honourable member for Kaurna having withdrawn from the chamber:

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I make that point, sir—

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Point of order, sir.

The SPEAKER: Premier, please be seated; there is a point of order.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The Premier is being provocative in his answer. The shadow minister for health is asking the government questions, and when we do you just punt him, sir.

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens not only fails to make a relevant point of order but he continues to make an impromptu speech. He can leave for the remainder of question time.

The honourable member for West Torrens having withdrawn from the chamber:

Dr Close interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader can also leave for the remainder of question time.

The honourable member for Port Adelaide having withdrawn from the chamber:

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hammond can leave as well, and so can the member for Mawson for the remainder of question time for saying that this is a protection racket.

The honourable members for Hammond and Mawson having withdrawn from the chamber:

The SPEAKER: The Premier has the call.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: As I have outlined, patients are transferring to the national system. The funding allocated to those patients is transferring to the national system. This is exactly and precisely how the system was designed. This is exactly and precisely how the system is meant to work. This is the system that, by the way, was actually negotiated—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Hurtle Vale and the member for Reynell are warned.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —by the former federal Labor government with the former Labor state government. Now we have those opposite arguing against the deal that they set up, which we supported—

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN: Point of order: debate.

The SPEAKER: I am trying to listen to the Premier respectfully, member for Lee. I had the member for Hurtle Vale and the member for Reynell interjecting during the answer. I will listen carefully to the Premier's comments. Premier.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: Thank you very much, sir. I go on to say today and assure the people of South Australia that no current mental health clients in SA Health-funded psychosocial programs should be disadvantaged as a result of the NDIS transition arrangements. We are committed to funding these psychosocial services—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hurtle Vale and the member for Reynell are warned for a second and final time.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —for those people with severe mental health illnesses who are not eligible for the NDIS services.

Ms Cook interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hurtle Vale can leave for the remainder of question time in silence.

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: What the member for Hurtle Vale doesn't understand—

Ms Cook interjecting:

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