Page 2520 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 7 August 1991
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MR CONNOLLY: I will certainly investigate this matter. I am being assured by two former Ministers in this area that it may not give any real advantages to consumers, but I will investigate it. What Mr Stevenson says, about private financial institutions encouraging consumers to move to fortnightly payments, is correct, and in that case there certainly are real savings to consumers. I will investigate what Mr Stevenson suggests and advise him of the results.
Medicare Bulk Billing
MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister for Health. Given the very significant role that Medicare plays in the lives of citizens of this Territory, can he inform the house of the likely impact of the Federal Government's proposal to impose a $3.50 fee on bulk billed doctor visits, particularly in light of the belief of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia that this move, which was approved by Federal Cabinet yesterday, I understand, is "a step backwards for social justice principles"?
MR BERRY: It sounds as though Mr Humphries knows more than I do about it. I will have to take the issue on board.
Mr Humphries: It was in the paper today.
MR BERRY: You get more time to read the paper these days, Gary. I will certainly take the issue on board, and I will report back to Mr Humphries on the issue.
Postnatal Depression
MR MOORE: My question also is directed to Mr Berry, the Minister for Health. The generally accepted figure for the occurrence of postnatal depression in women is around 14 per cent. To take a conservative estimate of 10 per cent of the 4,800 or so women who give birth in the ACT each year - that does not include the surrounding areas - we can expect approximately 500 women per year to be suffering from this debilitating condition. You have been approached by Virginia Davies and Linda Marshall of the Postnatal Support Group - Virginia Davies was the Volunteer of the Year this year - with a proposal for a 10-bed unit to deal with this problem. Can you tell us what you are doing or planning to do to provide support for so many women who are suffering from this condition?
MR BERRY: Yes, I have had an approach in relation to that matter, which is serious for women who have just had children. The Government is keen to ensure that better services are provided. I am advised that, in the hospital redevelopment program, in the new obstetrics block services will be available for women who suffer from that ailment.
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