Page 4560 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 20 November 1991
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Finally, I wish to comment on the committee's recommendation that a review be conducted into public health. I am in agreement with the committee on the importance of a proactive approach in the field of public health. A consultant has been engaged to carry out a review of public and community health services as a whole. I believe that this will meet the requirements of the Estimates Committee.
Mr Speaker, it is clear from the committee's report that my Government has substantial support from this Assembly for the approach it has taken in the 1991-92 budget. Our focus on public sector efficiency and a disciplined approach to financial management has been endorsed. We have made major strides towards a sound, strong future for the ACT, a future which will see a more socially just community. Mr Speaker, I present the Government's detailed response to the report of the 1991-92 Estimates Committee and I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Debate (on motion by Mr Kaine) adjourned.
NATIONAL SKIN CANCER AWARENESS WEEK
Ministerial Statement
MR BERRY (Minister for Health and Minister for Sport) (3.23): Mr Speaker, I seek leave to make a statement to the Assembly on Skin Cancer Awareness Week.
Leave granted.
MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, the 1991 National Skin Cancer Awareness Week highlights the importance of the early detection of skin cancer. The week, ending on 30 November, is sponsored by the Australian Cancer Society. The Australasian Council of Dermatologists also has been supporting the Australian Cancer Society in sponsoring Cancer Awareness Week since 1985. The theme this year is "Spot the Difference". People are being encouraged to identify the early signs of skin cancer by observing changes to skin spots. That is not to be confused with leopards changing their spots and those sorts of things.
The early detection of skin cancer is of vital importance to the Canberra community if we are to reduce the risk of serious illness, and even death, from melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer. A melanoma is a spot which usually undergoes rapid change over a few months. The signs are: The spot is usually irregular in shape; it is often varied in colour; it may be getting larger; it could have an uneven surface; and it is not necessarily ugly or indeed painful.
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