Page 3190 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 11 September 1991
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MR CONNOLLY: In accordance with my standard practice, the short answer is that, as soon as I have a request from any body or organisation to arrange a meeting with departmental officers, I comply forthwith. To date, as far as I am aware, I have not received any such request; nor has any correspondence to my office been brought to my attention. I certainly noted the story in the newspaper yesterday, which has been kicking around for some time, about the safety aspect of the arrangements in areas of Calwell; but I have received no request from the parents and friends group for a meeting. My standard practice is that, if there is such a request, I make officers of the department available to go through any problems they may have and try to map out some solutions. Should they choose to request such a meeting, I will arrange it forthwith.
MR JENSEN: I ask a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Based on that answer, I therefore take it that the Minister, or his office, made no attempt to check whether that story had some validity and whether action should be taken, without someone seeking to ask the question.
MR CONNOLLY: The position basically is that, when people seek meetings or advice, I arrange them. If I arranged meetings on the basis of every press report, it would be a rather odd way to run a government. I take it that real complaints or concerns will be raised by members of the community with my office, and should they choose to do so I will respond promptly.
Birthing Centre
MS MAHER: My question is to the Minister for Health. In the newspaper yesterday there was a letter from Aileen Conroy regarding concerns for the birthing centre attached to the new obstetrics facility being built at Woden. The letter mentions that there are problems with funding for a midwife and operational costs, indicating that the birthing centre may not open. Can the Minister advise the Assembly on the funding arrangements for the centre, give an assurance that the centre will open with appropriate staff, and advise when it will open?
MR BERRY: Ms Maher is an avid reader of the Canberra Times; but she missed today's edition, apparently, because it had the answer there. The birthing facility has been provided for in the obstetrics block. It is true that that facility was provided without any planning for recurrent funding by the former Government. The Labor Party is committed to the provision of that facility, unquestionably. I am not able to say that it will open on a given date. I have said to people who have asked the question of me before that I will ensure that it opens, and it will be adequately staffed; but I am not able to give a fixed date at this point.
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