Page 2988 - Week 10 - Thursday, 16 August 1990
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other things to contain the bacillus. The organisms thrive in warm water between 35 and 37 degrees celsius, which is probably one reason why Canberra has not had a serious outbreak so far. It is rarely that warm.
MR SPEAKER: Order! Mr Duby, I have previously given instructions not to read papers, thank you.
Mr Duby: I am sorry, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Please proceed, Mr Humphries.
MR HUMPHRIES: Nevertheless, we must be forever watchful as our city offices and public buildings do use systems that achieve these temperatures. Even in winter, our urban and health services need to be continually aware and on guard against the possibility of infection in our population.
It is a credit to those concerned that negotiations between the New South Wales and our own health authorities have achieved a common set of guidelines and action procedures in the event of an outbreak.
This plan also is significant inasmuch as it minimises expenditure on the sourcing of the disease, isolation of contacts, and treatment of those who contract it. A common set of principles and procedures is followed rather than the disorganisation and disarray that results from different cross-border procedures.
We are all aware of the need to minimise expenditure on any public enterprise. The health budget is not inexhaustible, and it is good to see that this kind of cooperation is happening and has a very real effect on the provision of better and more effective health services to the community.
I hope the need to use the plan does not recur. I am, however, reassured that the plan is there should the need arise to use it, and that it works. The community can rest assured that our public health staff are trained to carry out the predetermined investigative procedures that will assure the speediest possible control of any outbreak of legionnaires disease. Mr Speaker, I table the following paper:
Legionnaires disease - Ministerial statement, 16 August 1990.
I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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