Page 67 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
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tobacco so prevalent among the community in general and among young people in particular. My colleague Mr Humphries considers it appropriate that taxes derived from the sale of tobacco should be used to fund activities which promote and protect good health. My colleague will be moving quickly to build on the work already done in this area. Already the Government has decided to look towards proposals such as the establishment of an advisory body to assist with the administration of such funds. Such an advisory body would be representative of key interests and would advise the Minister for Health on the allocation of grants from the health promotion fund. Two grants have already been made from the health promotion fund, with $20,000 being supplied to sponsor the Rock Eisteddfod and $30,000 to sponsor the National Sprint on the Black Opal Stakes day, an event formerly sponsored by a tobacco company.
The Alliance Government is also in the process of reviewing mental health legislation. I am aware of concerns voiced by many sectors of the community about the balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of relatives, carers and professionals. My colleague is also working towards ensuring that all the concerns and problems raised during such reviews will be fully considered in the process.
My colleague will also be looking closely at the recommendations of the report on the ageing which was brought down by the Social Policy Committee late last year to ensure that an appropriate response comes from areas within my portfolio responsibilities. Work has already begun on some issues. With regards to specific health responsibilities the Health Department has already started negotiating with the Commonwealth about the issue of increased nursing home beds.
Also among its recommendations the report identified the need to improve arrangements for the admission and discharge of elderly patients to and from our hospitals. Although a new admission and discharge policy is already in place, I have asked the hospitals board to find ways in which improvements can be made. There are, of course, a number of other matters which will be covered in the Government's detailed response to the committee's report.
I have dealt briefly with some initiatives this Government has taken and intends to take in my colleague's health portfolio. My colleague would also like to make it clear to the Assembly that the hospital system does face severe financial difficulties. Within weeks of taking office the Alliance Government started streamlining administrative areas within the Department of Health. The following initiatives have already been taken. A legal section is being transferred to the Attorney-General's office. Professional registration boards will become independent of the Department and will be self-funding by the end of 1990. My colleague will closely monitor the progressive
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