Page 2297 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 1 November 1989
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Hospitals
MR STEFANIAK: My question, Mr Speaker, is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. I refer to the comments by the ACT President of the Hospital Employees Federation, Bruce Tunks, who was quoted on the front page of today's Canberra Times as saying:
This whole thing was conceived by the Federal Government, endorsed by the Kearney inquiry, rubber-stamped by yellow unions and implemented by a Mickey Mouse Government that couldn't care less about community wishes.
It's just another example of how the Australian Labor Party regards the average Australian, with absolute contempt.
I ask the Minister: what consultations took place with the HEF over the redevelopment of the hospital system? Given the obvious hostility of Mr Tunks, can the Minister explain why he has failed to allay the fears of this union?
MR BERRY: Thank you. I must say that I appreciate the concern - and I guess the general public will appreciate the concern - which is being expressed about a trade union by Mr Stefaniak. I must say that is a refreshing change of direction for the Liberal Party, and I hope it is something that we will see more of in the future because it will warm the hearts of many.
Mr Humphries: It could get a bit hot if you don't watch out.
MR BERRY: Well, I can stand the heat.
Mrs Grassby: You forget he's a fireman.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MR BERRY: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am aware of the comments on the front page of the Canberra Times. In relation to the consultation process, it was open to all of the players in the health system and the community generally. The Health Employees Federation would have been welcome to make any contribution that it wished to make in the process, and the union has to live with that. The Government has different imperatives, and it has made a decision on the basis of delivering a first-class health system. I expect and hope that the Health Employees Federation will assist us in the delivery of that when we go through the restructuring process for our hospital system.
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