The Opposition has expressed outrage that the Social Inclusion Commissioner supports “everything” happening at the Glenside Hospital Site including construction of a $45 million film hub.

 

Monsignor David Cappo, who also works on Treasurer Foley’s budget “razor gang”, told ABC 891 listeners this morning he supports everything the Rann Government is doing at Glenside.

 

The Treasurer announced in December last year the construction of a desperately needed new mental health facility would be delayed for two years while the Premier’s $45m film hub would be progressed.

 

When Monsignor Cappo was asked by Opposition MP Vickie Chapman if he was consulted before that decision was made he failed to answer.

 

Ms Chapman says the Government’s social inclusion agenda has been exposed as nothing more than talk.

 

“If the Rann Government was serious about social inclusion they would have sought the advice of a man whose counsel they respect so much they have asked him to find $750 million in budget cuts before changing their priorities.

 

“The Commissioner for Social Inclusion shouldn’t be trying to find cuts – he should be advocating for expanded services for the disadvantaged.

 

“I have read Monsignor Cappo’s reports many times and have never seen reference to a film hub being built next to a hospital.

 

“It is ridiculous to suggest having the film hub next to the hospital will open the Glenside Campus up – it will section off more than 2 hectares which mental health patients and the public will not be able to access.”