Page 2138 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 6 June 1990
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facility. The peaceful atmosphere and superb views would soothe even the most savage Residents Rally breast.
Mr Collaery: You really hate the Rally, don't you, because we took 60 per cent off Labor.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Collaery: You can't take it. You are going to get rolled in 1992.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Collaery, please!
MS FOLLETT: I think you should name him, Mr Speaker. I have suffered continued interjections.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Please proceed.
MS FOLLETT: The location of the hospital is important in servicing the people of north Canberra and Belconnen. Quite clearly, as the new suburbs are opened in west Belconnen and when we eventually see the development of Gungahlin, there will be an even greater need for a north side public hospital. The Liberals have said nothing about the extra travelling time for north Canberra people who require emergency treatment. I would ask: how does the Liberals' accountant approach cost the lives which will be lost in ambulances going the extra distance to Woden?
Another major reason for the closure can be found in the fact that the Liberals will establish a new private hospital on the north side to partly replace Royal Canberra's facilities. It is quite clear what their agenda involves. Public health, medical services and hospitals with equal access for every member of the community play second place to their commitment to private profit. They would much prefer to see private hospitals where somebody who is already wealthy makes yet more money out of other people's health problems.
Mr Kaine: It is a good line but it is not true. It is good stuff for a Labor left, but nobody else takes any notice of it.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MS FOLLETT: Mr Speaker, I have suffered from continued interjections, particularly from the Chief Minister. I really feel that he has continued to disobey your instructions.
Contrary to the propaganda from the Liberals - and we are hearing more of it all the time - propaganda which the Residents Rally seems to have swallowed whole, the ACT budget can afford the Royal Canberra Hospital. The real cost of the Liberals' planned closure of Royal Canberra Hospital and development of one principal hospital at Woden Valley is around $195m. It is very little less than the
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