Page 4602 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 20 November 1991
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Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, this issue is one of management by the Board of Health. I do not like the board being politicised, because it makes it difficult for them. They are an honorary board who get paid nothing and they work very hard for the community in the ACT.
I will take responsibility for the board's activities. It seems to me that for the board's monthly reports to be released to the Assembly all of the time, and to have the management of its finances interfered with, would grossly impair the way that that board is able to manage the health and hospital system. However, I have provided in the past, as an indication to Assembly members and the community, the August and September financial reports. I will not volunteer to provide those reports on a monthly basis, as requested by the chairman of the board, because I agree with him. I think it would be gross interference in the board's day-to-day management of the health and hospital system.
If that is what these people are concerned about, if they really want it, what they need to do is move an amendment to the Act. If they are really serious, let them move an amendment to the Act that requires the board to give a financial report to this Assembly monthly. If they really want to interfere with the way it manages the hospital system, that is what they have to do. Are you really serious about this? Do you want monthly reports?
Mr Moore: Yes, but not forever. That is what legislation would require.
MR BERRY: They do not want them forever. They are not serious. They want them only up until February.
Mr Moore: Until we are happy that the board is performing.
MR BERRY: Mr Moore says, "Until we are happy with the way the board is performing". Mr Speaker, I think this shows that this is merely political grandstanding. If they are really serious about it, where is the amendment? There will not be one, because this censure motion is just a joke. It is about my providing information, which, incidentally, I do not have.
Mr Jensen: You told us that you were going to get it every month.
MR BERRY: And I will get it every month.
Mr Humphries: You said "by the 10th of the month".
MR BERRY: "Around about the middle of the month", I said. If you are serious, why do you not pass a motion in the Assembly that you require the board's report?
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