Page 2674 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 13 August 1991
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MR STEVENSON (4.39): I quote from Rosemary Follett's speech on 28 March 1990:
Royal Canberra Hospital is very much a strength of Canberra's health system. It is a hospital which has the confidence of Canberra people, a hospital which in fact has the affection of the vast majority of Canberra people, and as such we had decided, in keeping with our election commitment, to retain Royal Canberra Hospital.
We know of course that members of the Alliance Government gave that same commitment and it was worthless. Their commitment on this matter, as on so many other matters, was hollow, an absolute sham.
Rosemary continued a little later on, in response to an interjection from an Alliance member:
... people ... can go anywhere they like - except to Royal Canberra Hospital. Send them to Woden, only another 20 kilometres. Send them to the private hospital; send them to Calvary where they cannot get all the services they might require. What sort of a public hospital system is that? It is a disgrace.
She continued:
I conclude by saying that the Labor Government gave a clear commitment to retain Royal Canberra Hospital.
Indeed, we all know what happens as a standard in Australia when politicians or political parties make promises. There is a methodology that is followed prior to being in a position to do something about a particular action. They say, "We will do what the people want". In this case, "We will keep Royal Canberra Hospital open". In the case of New South Wales, Mr Greiner said, "We will not allow a tunnel to be built under Sydney Harbour". It goes on and on and on. Dozens of such statements must have been made by both the Labor Party and the Liberal Party in Australia's recent history.
Mr Kaine: And some say, "We will abolish the Legislative Assembly".
MR STEVENSON: Indeed. Give me the numbers, any time you want to put it up to a vote. You give me eight and let it be decided on mine. We will see how soon it is abolished. But do not talk about it; give me the opportunity. Make it count on my vote, and see whether my vote will make the difference.
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