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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-07-23 Daily Xml
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Coronavirus, Health Advice

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:50): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding COVID-19.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: The Marshall Liberal government is proud of its strong relationship with South Australian multicultural communities. Will the minister update the council on the government's engagement with these communities to ensure effective communication of public health advice?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:51): I thank the honourable member for her question and acknowledge the significant contribution she has made, and continues to make, to multicultural communities.

From the very beginning of the pandemic the government has worked closely with health professionals with links to CALD communities to ensure that public health advice was being communicated in a clear and culturally appropriate way. Recent reporting on the situation in Victoria has highlighted the importance of people from CALD communities receiving clear, accessible advice on how to avoid the transmission of COVID-19, when and how to get tested, and what is required in the context of isolation quarantine.

As part of the ongoing work to safeguard South Australia against future outbreaks, SA Health has recently engaged with multicultural leaders and clinicians to identify any knowledge gaps and any communication strategies that would further strengthen public health messaging. On Thursday 16 July two online forums were conducted with representatives from a wide range of CALD communities. The sessions were led by Professor Nicola Spurrier supported by SA Health clinicians, a number of whom share a multicultural background.

Significant work was undertaken by Justine Kennedy, Director of Multicultural Affairs, as well as the Hon. Jing Lee in her role as Minister Assisting the Premier and as a leader of the multicultural community in her own right. The Hon. Jing Lee participated in both forums, bringing what she brings to every event: wisdom and grace. The online event consisted of presentations from the Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, as well as small group breakouts into virtual rooms to participate in discussions and activities.

I was pleased to join with more than 40 community leaders and both Professor Spurrier and the Hon. Jing Lee to discuss issues raised in the forums. Many community members came from countries with high rates of disease, and indeed higher fatality rates than we have in Australia. It is important to note that there are culturally diverse responses to sickness within communities, such as visiting community members when they are sick or fears that receiving a test may actually increase the risk of contracting the virus.

The positive contribution from all those who participated, as well as the expressions of support for the forums, demonstrate the high regard in which both Professor Spurrier and the Hon. Jing Lee are held. SA Health has also conducted an online survey of healthcare workers who provide services to multicultural communities. Together with information gathered from the online forums, this valuable intelligence will help the government to focus its public health advice and utilise culturally appropriate channels to communicate that advice.

I would like to thank the participants who took up the invitation both to be part of the forums and to participate in the surveys. Their willingness to share cultural experiences in the interest of the ongoing fight against the virus will help ensure that no-one is left behind when it comes to effective public health messaging.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Pangallo, a supplementary question.

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