Page 3529 - Week 13 - Thursday, 26 November 1992
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General Manager (Corporate) as a local title to describe her role. As no position has been created, there could be no question of gazettal as a vacant position; therefore, any concerns or questions about the application of the Public Service Act are not applicable.
In relation to the further questions about the period Ms Austin was overseas, I am advised that Ms Austin did travel to England in July to a Duke of Edinburgh Study Conference. During the four weeks of her absence Ms Austin was not under contract to ACT Health. She was not paid by ACT Health, and all her travel expenses were met by the study conference. Hence, the reference to $13,000 in the last part of Mrs Carnell's question is not relevant. Ms Austin entered into a new three-month contract with ACT Health on her return. This contract concluded on 2 November 1992.
Madam Speaker, I have sought and received an assurance from the Head of Administration that all vacancies in the ACT SES are gazetted in the required way, and that all SES positions are filled following a merit selection process and once the necessary approvals of the Public Service Commission are obtained.
Woden Valley Hospital - Surgical Operations
MR BERRY: Madam Speaker, on 25 November Mrs Carnell raised a question in relation to operations and surgery sessions. I would like to say, before I get into the body of the answer, that Mrs Carnell would understand that elective waiting lists are affected if there are emergency cases which come through casualty at the hospital system and use up beds within the system. Waiting lists are used to maintain a continuous flow of work through the hospital system, particularly on the elective side.
Mr Kaine: The waiting list is used to maintain a continual flow of work.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MR BERRY: If you do not understand about waiting lists - - -
Mr Kaine: I do understand very well, and your answer was rubbish, Minister - absolute rubbish.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, please!
MR BERRY: An efficient hospital system relies on waiting lists to ensure that the available resources are used most efficiently. There is no question about that.
Mr Humphries: It is ridiculous. You do not need a waiting list to run a hospital.
MR BERRY: I am afraid that that is the nature - - -
Mr Kaine: I wonder why private hospitals do not have long waiting lists.
Mr De Domenico: So, if you run out of funds, just increase the waiting lists.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, please! Mr Berry is attempting to answer a question.
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