Page 4504 - Week 15 - Thursday, 22 November 1990
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simple protective measure of wearing a hat. I might indicate that it is not just health workers who need to be taking this important initiative. I would invite all members of this Assembly as they move about the Territory, especially tomorrow, on Aussie Hat Day, to make the effort to wear a hat and set a good example, particularly to children. In addition, Mr Speaker, the health advancement section of the ACT Ministry for Health will be conducting public sun awareness campaigns again this summer.
I am also very happy to be supporting the work of the ACT Cancer Society in their efforts to provide educational opportunities to medical practitioners. I note that Mrs Judith Dalton, the education officer for the ACT Cancer Society, is present in the gallery today. I think we should commend the work done by the Cancer Society, and Mrs Dalton in particular.
It was a pleasure to open recently the "Doctor on the Spot" seminar that was held at the National Convention Centre at the end of October. Sixty-five general practitioners attended the seminar, which was addressed by dermatologists, surgeons and general practitioners and dealt with the diagnosis and management of early skin cancers, many of which can be treated in the GP's own surgery. Keeping doctors up to date with the latest information is a key element of a comprehensive preventative strategy. The ACT Cancer Society is conducting a spot check clinic this coming Saturday, 24 November, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. However, appointments will be necessary because of the expected high demand for the service.
The society has a wide range of educational information kits which are specifically aimed at particular groups, such as carers of preschool children, primary age children, high school students and adults. I am especially concerned that the wearing of hats is actively promoted in schools. To this end educational officers will work in conjunction with schools and the Cancer Society to develop policy and guidelines that school boards may then use to formulate their own policies in relation to protection from exposure to sunlight. I want to ensure that all children are encouraged to wear hats this summer while they are in the open in school hours. It is important to establish the wearing of a hat in summer as a lifetime habit. I have been greatly encouraged by the efforts of many schools to date. Hats have become an important part of a school uniform, with support from school boards and P and C associations in such schools as Fadden, Flynn, Red Hill, Telopea and Florey primary schools.
At Holder Primary School students have access to legionnaires hats, complete with school logo, that can be bought from the school canteen. At Flynn Primary School a variety of hats are sold through the clothing pool. Flynn Primary School is providing a wonderful example by examining the option of a longer, earlier, morning break
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