Page 2304 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 1 November 1989
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MR HUMPHRIES: I ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. I have to ask the question again, as there is really no other way of getting the Minister to answer it. What was the Federal Government's reaction to the Minister's proposals? In the interests of full public debate, will the Minister table a summary of those consultations?
MR BERRY: We have not - - -
Mr Humphries: But you have not answered that. He said he has had talks; that is all he said.
MR BERRY: We have not got the $150m.
Mr Humphries: Well, what is their response? Did they give a reason? Why no $150m?
MR BERRY: They have not said no, Mr Humphries.
Mr Humphries: That is a slight advance. Is there any other information you can supply?
MR BERRY: They have not said anything. What I have said is that this Government, quite responsibly, quite in accord with its promise to deliver responsible government to this Territory, has asked the Commonwealth for $150m to assist us in the restructuring of our hospital system. That was a responsible action, but we have not yet received a response.
Mental Health Services
MR COLLAERY: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Health. At the annual general meeting of the ACT Association for Mental Health on 22 October 1989 - that is, after the budget - the following motion was passed:
This meeting expresses its strong concern at indications that government financial support for mental health services in the ACT is to be reduced, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of the ACT Government's health budget.
Mental health services in the ACT are underresourced and compare unfavourably with services in New South Wales, Victoria and other States. Minister, will you advise the Assembly whether you have any plans to reduce expenditure on mental health services in the ACT this year, in view of the increasing amount of mental health disturbances in the Territory at this time?
MR BERRY: Thank you, Mr Collaery, for the question. I am aware of media reports in relation to that meeting, which I indeed opened. I am not aware of the resolution that you stated. What needs to happen in response to that sort of a
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