Page 315 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 20 February 1990
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births in the ACT. If the Government does that we might get to the bottom of the problem, all of the issues will be on the table and it might go some of the way towards sorting out the tensions in the community that are developing over this issue. The longer it is left, the longer it will fester.
The issue is the options for women - whether they take advantage of mainstream obstetric services or they make some other arrangements. Birthing centres are available in other States and it is unreasonable, in my view and the Labor team's view, that one is not available here. One of the main features of a birthing centre is that it recognises the fact that childbirth is not some sort of disease. It is a natural function and many millions of women give birth to children in circumstances which are not in what could be described as mainstream obstetric services. It has been argued that where there is no risk to woman and child other arrangements should be available.
It is important that all participate in a process to establish a centre so that any possible problems can be ironed out without unnecessary conflict. I think it is important that an inquiry would form part of that process. Some traditional demarcation lines will require adjustment. That is a sensitive issue in the community and would have to be carefully addressed because those in the medical profession have concerns about the delivery of traditional medical services to the community, and they endorse the position that they hold in the delivery of those services. There are others in the community who would argue that the demarcation line ought to be different. Although concerns have been voiced, I believe that in the interests of the best delivery services to women and children in the community we can work to overcome these problem. This is the sort of commitment that I would like to see from the Government benches opposite.
The next issue I would like to deal with relates to psychiatrically-ill offenders - a need identified by Mr Collaery during the budget consultative process under the Follett Labor Government. Mr Collaery rightfully expressed a view about that area of need and that view was accepted by Labor and a provision was included in the budget. The need is still urgent, and it is important to ensure that the money is spent wisely and those in need are provided with the facility as soon as possible. At the same time I think there needs to be a high level of care in addressing this issue because of the sensitive nature of delivery of services to the mentally ill. There needs to be compassion in the delivery of the facility as budgeted. Again I think what is required is a commitment from Government.
The next issue relates to mental health services. During the election Labor and other parties accepted that the delivery of mental health services had to be reviewed and, in particular, the Mental Health Act should be reviewed. Now, under Labor - and I would not say that any of the
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