Revelations at the Senate inquiry into algal blooms have exposed that SA Health has quietly admitted the bloom can impact people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, according to the state opposition.

The first Senate hearing was held at Seacliff on Tuesday 9 September.

The opposition says there has been little public communication about these serious health impacts – with the state government instead choosing to quietly update the official algal bloom website last week with new advice.

The updated guidance warns that people with pre-existing respiratory conditions may be more vulnerable to brevetoxin-like substances, advising South Australians with asthma to:

• Carry their reliever medication when on beaches where there is visible foam or discoloured water.
• Take their preventive medication as prescribed.
• Ensure their asthma management plan is up to date.

State Leader of the Opposition Vincent Tarzia says the government owes every South Australian with a respiratory condition, such as asthma emphysema, bronchitis and other chronic lung diseases an apology.

“It’s shocking that the only way people found out they should be carrying their asthma medication at the beach was through evidence at a Senate inquiry.

“Imagine if that question had never been asked – how much longer would it have taken for the Government to broadly publicise the updated health advice?”

Shadow Environment Minister and Finniss MP David Basham says he has repeatedly sought answers from the government about the health impacts of the algal bloom, but even a letter from the Health Minister, Chris Picton a fortnight ago failed to mention the updated advice.

“Time and time again, South Australians are being let down by the Government’s lack of clear communication,” he says.

“It’s the bare minimum to alert the community when health advice changes, especially when so many people have already been impacted and left without guidance.”

State Health Minister Chris Picton has told ABC radio that Chief Medical Officer Nicola Spurrier held a press conference on the topic and the latest health advice is available on the dedicated algal bloom website. 

He says asthma sufferers should regard the algal bloom similarly to pollen.

The health advice page on the algal bloom website is accessed via the button ‘Can I enjoy the beach?’.

The Fleurieu Senate hearing will be held tomorrow, Friday 12 September, at the Victor Harbor Bowling Club