Page 707 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 12 March 1991
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MR SPEAKER: Order! I would ask you to withdraw those last couple of words, Mr Berry.
MR BERRY: I withdraw that. Why has this not happened?
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, the very simple answer to Mr Berry's question is that it is in the process of happening. As yet the beds concerned have not been moved out of Royal Canberra Hospital North. Until they do move, the requirement for the space in Calvary Hospital is not pressing. That is why the beds have not yet been closed.
MR BERRY: I have a supplementary question. As the Minister is aware, the chief executive of Calvary Hospital has announced in public that he is not closing the private beds and that he cannot accommodate more patients without building redevelopment. How much will this cost, Minister? When do you envisage spending the money and how much will it add to the redevelopment costs?
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I doubt whether this is really a supplementary question. But, first of all, there is no additional cost. The amount provided for in the budget for the redevelopment of the Calvary component of the hospital project will not change in any way. I have heard nothing from the Calvary board which suggests that they are not prepared to close the private beds. In fact, my clear understanding on the last occasion I discussed it with the board at Calvary was that they were very happy to close the private hospital beds when the time arose. That time is not yet here.
Director of Public Prosecutions
MR STEFANIAK: My question is to the Attorney-General. Is the Attorney-General aware of media reports suggesting that this Government has appointed a local Director of Public Prosecutions?
MR COLLAERY: I thank Mr Stefaniak for the question. Many of us would have heard a news broadcast to the effect that a named person had been appointed or was to be appointed. Let me assure the house that the Government has made no decision on that matter and is still considering prospective candidates.
Education Budget
MRS GRASSBY: My question is to the Chief Minister and Treasurer. May I remind him that yesterday was 11 March, the ides of March. I suggest that he be very wary.
Mr Kaine: No, the ides of March are 15 March, Mrs Grassby.
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