Page 2645 - Week 12 - Thursday, 16 November 1989
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MR HUMPHRIES: I ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. The Minister seems to be saying that, because he does not know the final cost of the hospital redevelopment, he cannot therefore say what Commonwealth contribution is going to be needed. I ask the Minister to assume that what he told the house two weeks ago, approximately, was true, namely, that it would cost $210m approximately to effect this restructuring. Let us assume that it costs $210m over the next five years. It obviously will not, but let us assume for the moment it will. How much of that does he need to get from the Commonwealth before the proposition is viable?
MR BERRY: I hope Mr Humphries listens this time. In the first place, I do not assume anything on issues as important as the issue of funding the restructuring of the hospital system. The restructure and redevelopment proposal which has been announced is based on figures provided by the steering committee which was set up to examine the issue. Those funding levels are the indicative levels which have been relied upon by the Government.
Mr Humphries: We know that.
MR BERRY: Good. Then I will not have to repeat that again. The basis of funding from the Commonwealth has not been or cannot be planned, in my view, until such time as a proper planning process is finalised. I have indicated to this place before that an in-depth planning process will be required as part of the development of the project.
Mr Humphries: You cannot start the planning process unless you know how much it is going to cost.
MR BERRY: Mr Humphries, what I suggest you do is just be a little patient and not be so petulant.
Use of Schools
MR JENSEN: My question is directed to the Chief Minister, and it follows on from a response that the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education gave to a question asked by my colleague Dr Kinloch on the surplus schools within the ACT. Will the Chief Minister give an undertaking to refer the consolidated report, referred to by the Minister, to the Assembly's Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee or the Assembly itself for comment before the Executive makes a final decision on this very important and critical issue?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Jensen for the question. The Minister canvassed quite extensively yesterday the consultative process that has been going on in terms of the future of those schools that were closed. I believe also it has been made clear that the responses that have been
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