Page 64 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Ms Follett: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I would draw your attention to standing order 69(k). On the subject of time limits for debates and speeches it says that no extension of time "shall exceed half of the original period allotted". Mr Collaery was allotted a particular period of time.
MR SPEAKER: Standing orders were suspended. Therefore, that does not apply.
MR COLLAERY: The Government owes it to the people of Canberra, Mr Speaker, that they get value for their health dollar and that millions of dollars of taxpayers' money is not totally wasted on inefficient work practices. My colleague Mr Humphries informs me that the major problem, as we are all aware, is the hospital redevelopment in the ACT.
It is a matter of some regret that the previous Government decided to proceed with the redevelopment plan without securing any financial commitment from the Commonwealth for the considerable capital costs involved with redevelopment. The Alliance Government has approached the Federal Government for a response on the request for capital assistance, but is becoming increasingly frustrated by the Commonwealth's failure to be forthcoming. The Alliance Government will continue to press for a response, and once that has been furnished will review the former Government's decision on hospital redevelopment.
Now, it is very clear in my colleague, Mr Humphries' utterance, that it is the Federal Government that is delaying the final decision on hospital redevelopment. This delay is particularly galling as it has been Commonwealth neglect of the hospital system that has given rise to the problems that we now confront.
Mr Whalan: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I know that Mr Collaery has been out for dinner and I can understand that he is half-pissed but the - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order! Withdraw that immediately, please, Mr Whalan.
Mr Whalan: Yes, I am sorry; he is half-drunk.
MR SPEAKER: Order; an unequivocal withdrawal, please, Mr Whalan.
Mr Whalan: Mr Collaery has obviously had a very pleasant dinner, and what I would draw your attention to, Mr Speaker, is - - -
Mr Jensen: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I suspect that if you read through what has just been said Mr Whalan, in fact, did not withdraw his remarks.
Mrs Grassby: He did withdraw them.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .