Page 3862 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 15 December 1992
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What it boils down to, Madam Speaker, is that the money will be put into the hospital system to deal with waiting lists. Members opposite know that it costs money to reduce the waiting lists. What it also boils down to, Madam Speaker, is what the doctors do in terms of their own waiting lists and how they deal with their own case mix which is to go to the hospital system. I could not guess, and will not try to guess, the numbers by which waiting lists will be reduced as a result of that money; but it will be a significant contribution to the hospital system to help us provide services to the people of the ACT. We welcome it and it is available only while we support Medicare.
MRS CARNELL: I have a supplementary question. I understand that the money we are talking about was available to the ACT only on the basis of the ACT being able to put forward specific proposals. I am quoting the Commonwealth Government statement on the issue. I would be interested to know what specific proposals were put forward to the Federal Government and what the outcome is likely to be.
MR BERRY: As I have said repeatedly in response to questions about the Medicare agreement which is still under negotiation - - -
Mrs Carnell: No; this is not part of the Medicare agreement.
MR BERRY: You asked your question. Wait for the answer. A portion of the money has been provided - not all of it. I will be providing for this Assembly a complete statement about the detail of the Medicare agreement in order that members who support Medicare can relish it and those who do not support it, like the Liberals opposite, can weep.
Hospital Redevelopment Project
MR LAMONT: Madam Speaker, my question is directed to the Deputy Chief Minister in his capacity as Minister for Health. There have been a number of reports quoting Mrs Carnell in relation to uncorroborated allegations of wastage of public money at Woden Valley Hospital. Minister, would you provide the Assembly with the facts behind these allegations?
Mr Kaine: If he will answer this question honestly, we will be delighted.
Ms Follett: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Mr Kaine has made an imputation which I am quite sure was unintended.
Mr Kaine: I withdraw, and I insert the words "at all".
MR BERRY: Madam Speaker, I am pleased to answer this question because much was made about it over the weekend, again without information. The comments made were aimed more at causing a political stir than at dealing with the issues at large. I have sought advice in relation to the matter and I will give a run-down on the position.
Waterproof indoor-outdoor carpet was laid in both permanent and temporary links between building 1 and building 3. The carpet is in use in other hospitals and was chosen for its hard-wearing ability, its welcoming atmosphere and the resultant reduction in noise levels. Staff have since found that some hand trolleys and beds are tracking sideways on the floor, making movements very difficult
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