Federal Budget

A question to the Minister for Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers, the Hon GE Gago MLC, regarding the Federal Budget.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:55): A supplementary question. Where was the minister's outrage when her own government decided to axe the Women's Health Statewide service, which has been heavily criticised by the CEO of the National Council for Single Mothers and their Children?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Let the minister answer the question.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:55): Thank you, Mr President. The honourable member raises the issue of women's health services, but I have provided information to this chamber before. There have been changes to services, and so there should be. We need to keep restructuring and refashioning our services to be able to meet as many women's needs as possible, far and wide.

SA Health has recently released its new model for delivering assessment and care to women. This new model will be based on a hub and spoke model, with outreach services available across metropolitan South Australia. Women's service hubs—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Can the honourable members on my left please listen to the minister's reply?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —will be located in Port Adelaide, Elizabeth and Noarlunga, with outreach services in North Adelaide. These changes will affect the way women access services; however, they have been specifically developed to focus on ensuring that vulnerable women can access appropriate health care. Healthcare initiatives support the government's strategic priority based on safe communities and healthy neighbourhoods.

So there has been change, but the services do continue. This government is very committed to continuing to provide good quality health services to the women of South Australia, unlike those sitting opposite. They are happy to sit there and watch the federal government rip apart our healthcare contributions, which will have a significant impact on our hospital services, on beds, and will really cut to the very heart of our public health system, which is about access to health for everyone, not just those who can afford it.