Page 2970 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 12 October 2022
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advocacy in this space and the sponsorship of the ANMF petition calling on the government to work with the union to develop a workforce plan. I think Ms Castley has raised some very valid points relative to paediatric care at the hospital or, more broadly, about some structural pressures on staffing—nurses, midwives and AINs in particular. I share those concerns, and I have been pleased to work with her in advocating for some of the issues of those frontline healthcare workers. I am sure it has not won me much favour.
But this seems like an attempt at a political hit that is very below the belt and really risks undermining public confidence in our healthcare systems. So it would be very easy for me to fill my entire my 15 minutes of speaking remarks, but I do not intend to. I intend to make a few summary remarks.
First of all, I would like to thank Minister Stephen-Smith for making herself and her officials available to the Standing Committee on Health and Community Wellbeing to brief us on this particular issue. I take this opportunity to encourage her ministerial colleagues to take advantage of the committees of the Assembly more frequently and perhaps offer, rather than always need to be asked, briefings on issues of interest to the Assembly as they arise, either on the notice paper or in the media. I think that is a really good way to run this place, and I think it really helps members, particularly those in the non-executive, to get a better idea of exactly what is going on and who is doing what. I think that is a good process.
Secondly, I want every single Canberra parent to know that, in spite of some structural challenges identified by everybody in this place, you will get great health care at the Canberra Hospital or at Calvary Hospital in Bruce, should your young person be unwell. Do you disagree, Ms Castley?
Ms Castley: Absolutely.
MR DAVIS: Absolutely?
Ms Castley: What am I disagreeing to?
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Pettersson): Ms Castley, this debate will be engaged in in a respectful manner. I would request that all members direct their remarks through the chair.
Mr Cain: Point of order, Mr Assistant Speaker.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Cain, on a point of order.
Mr Cain: Mr Davis addressed Ms Castley directly during his presentation, which is in breach of the standing orders.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Cain, I just dealt with that point. Mr Davis.
MR DAVIS: While I do not have an opportunity to speak again, Ms Castley does, as the mover of the motion. So perhaps she could clarify that in her closing remarks. My
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