An investigation has been ordered into why hidden cameras were installed at SA Pathology to spy on staff.
Health Minister Jack Snelling said the decision was a lapse in judgement by SA Pathology management and has asked its chief executive to investigate.
SA Health admitted on Friday it had been using cameras hidden in smoke detectors to monitor its staff at an Adelaide premises.
Two cameras were installed in October at offices in Frome Road as part of an investigation into processing delays for pathology reports.
SA Health clinical support services director Ken Barr said the covert cameras were dismantled this month and regular cameras installed, and the investigation into processing delays was continuing.
“The allegations were that there were significant delays to patients’ results that could have impacted on urgent treatment and, as a result, our concerns about timely patient care resulted in authorising this investigation for use of covert cameras,” he said.
Yesterday, Opposition Leader Steven Marshall called on the Government to rule out the use of audio recordings during the period of time the hidden cameras were used.
Mr Marshall said the public needed to know if the Government had broken the law by recording inside the offices.
“What we know is that the device that was used also has a standard recording apparatus on it,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s illegal in South Australia, according to the Surveillance Devices Act, it is illegal to be taking audio recording unbeknownst to the person being recorded.”
However an SA Health spokesperson said the cameras were not used to record audio.
Mr Marshall also called on the Government to release details of the investigation and what the hidden cameras may have revealed.