Page 1723 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 17 October 1989
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Preschool Society - the peak preschool representative group - fit into his category of people in the community; if so, how is it going to fit into his version of the consultative process on preschool closures?
MR WHALAN: In reply to Mr Moore's question about the Canberra Preschool Society, certainly I would regard it as an appropriate body because it has been actively involved in the organisation of activities relating to preschools and the development of policies that relate to preschools for a considerable period.
The Preschool Society should, by now, have received notification that this issue is on the agenda for the next meeting of the Schools Advisory Committee and that it is being alerted to the fact that there will be a briefing on the background to these matters at that meeting, and there will be an opportunity for not only the Preschool Society but also the other constituent members of the Schools Advisory Committee, which include the parents and citizens organisation, the ACT Teachers Federation, the Public Sector Union and students. So, yes, I do acknowledge that it is an appropriate body. It has been notified that this will be discussed at the next meeting of the Schools Advisory Committee.
MR MOORE: I have a supplementary question. How can the consultation process be carried out adequately, since the preschools designated for closure need to be nominated by 1 November, according to officers of your department?
MR WHALAN: I will reiterate a point which was made, I think, before the Estimates Committee. I am confident that, before any actions are taken in that direction, there will be a satisfactory level of consultation. We are committed to that process, and we will ensure that it is fully developed.
Hospital Bed Costs
MR HUMPHRIES: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. Is it a fact that, as from 1 August this year, the cost of a shared private room in a public hospital is $160 per day, except for persons making claims for compensable injuries - for example, workers compensation claimants - for whom the cost of the same bed for the same day is $450? As this cost is being borne by the employers of the Territory through higher insurance premiums, how does the Government justify asking those employers to bear the costs of the ACT hospital system above and beyond those imposed on other users of the hospital system?
MR BERRY: Thank you, Mr Humphries, for the question. The normal private bed charge is a subsidised charge which is levied against private health insurers. There is a
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