Page 62 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
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approved of by the former Government. I found the statement particularly reprehensible because it resulted in many anxious phone calls and probable distress.
As foreshadowed whilst in opposition, we are particularly concerned that there has been no provision made for the construction or purchase or outfitting of psychiatric buildings for the day care of psychiatrically disturbed young persons. There is an identified pressing need there and all elements in the community agree on that issue. Similarly, in the area of mental health, there is a present concern to be addressed. Those concerns were not adequately addressed in the former Government's budget or in its forward planning. Likewise, the need for a single hospice in this city, the only city in this country not to have a hospice, is evident. No provision was made for that either.
In many respects I am happy, as Minister in this important portfolio, to brief Opposition members on the progress of current inquiries in the welfare area. If this will lead to a confidence in this Assembly and a confidence in the community at large that we have a definite agenda to address welfare concerns, particularly those in those categories I mentioned, then that should be appreciated for what it is. Welfare should not stem from any particular political grotto. It stems from the work of many of the members of this Assembly who share a commitment.
Lastly, our sport and recreation policy is going to be administered with energy in the spirit of a Territory blessed with a good climate, tremendous facilities and a healthy population. We are going to support initiatives and assist tourist objectives and involve the widest possible community, not just active sportsmen and women, but women generally, those with disabilities, and children, in wider areas of sports.
I have also had the advantage of consulting with my colleague the Minister for Health. I have noted the directions where health is interlocking in areas of my portfolio. In health the Government is committed to the maintenance and development of a high quality cost-effective health system for the people of this Territory. The people of the ACT deserve no less.
As my colleague Mr Humphries has indicated, we acknowledge the fact that we have inherited a system that is in need of change. In particular, as the Grants Commission has pointed out, we face significant problems of overspending. It is common knowledge that while the ACT public hospital system offers services of high quality it is the least efficient system in Australia. That is not acceptable to this Government and that is not acceptable to the people of Canberra.
The Government is committed to fundamental reforms in the health system in order to achieve a cost-effective and
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