Happy new year! The state election is just a couple of months away and one of the big issues will be whether to renovate the old RAH or build a new hospital. Late last year, I surveyed residents of the inner southern suburbs over this issue and the results were surprising.

The results show that 63% of voters want to keep the old RAH where it is. Many people are unhappy with the location and cost of the proposed hospital.

The Rann Government has completely underestimated the community’s opposition to building a new RAH on the old rail yards. It is strange they have not sold the case for a new hospital, despite being masters of public relations and spin.

I’ve become a hospital change sceptic.

While Labor have tried to make it look like a done deal, there has been no binding commitment to build a new hospital for Adelaide. So far we have had very little detail from the Government, apart from glossy press releases. With up to $2 billion of taxpayers’ money at stake in one of the biggest projects the city has ever seen, I think the people of SA deserve a proper accountable explanation.

Unless there is a really good case made to spend this money, the message is clear from my constituents. They want me to oppose the new hospital. Before we spend any more money, we need an inquiry to reveal the real cost of the various proposals, and to find out what will actually provide the best value for South Australia.

I’m calling for a Commission of Inquiry into Labor and Liberal proposals to build or rebuild the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The Commission would have the same powers as a Royal Commission, such as the power to summon witnesses and view confidential documents.

The Commission would be headed by a retired judge, with a committee made up of a doctor, an engineer, an architect and a health administrator. The committee should be selected from qualified people who have never been involved in the debate – possibly from interstate.

With Nick Xenophon