Page 1055 - Week 04 - Thursday, 1 April 1993
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The integrity of the wages system relies upon continued commitment to that system by both parties. I can say to you that the Government is committed, and we have made that very clear in all of our negotiations with the trade union movement. It is now very clear that the Trades and Labour Council are committed to that sort of outcome as well because they know and understand that there is going to be a need for much energy from the trade union movement and workers out there in the workplace to work through those economic bargaining activities which will have to take place under this arrangement. We need their commitment to it; we have it. They need an employer who has a commitment to it; they have it.
Methadone Program
MR MOORE: Madam Speaker, my question is also directed to Mr Berry, but as Minister for Health. I gave the Minister some notice that I intended to ask a question about methadone. It is important also, Madam Speaker, to follow up the fact that the Minister indicated that the Government can move quickly on some issues. Can the Minister explain the reasons why the methadone program has still not been instigated in pharmacies, given that following a training session on 31 January, conducted by the Pharmacy Guild and other pharmacists, a number of pharmacists registered expressions of interest? If the Minister is intending to start the pharmacy methadone program, can the Minister give a starting date and indicate which pharmacies will be participating?
MR BERRY: Thank you, Mr Moore, for the question. Mr Moore did give me some notice of this, and I have been asked to respond on the media to a statement that Mr Moore has made already in relation to it. I can tell you, Mr Moore, a few details about the methadone program. The client places have expanded to 208, from 86 places in August 1991, so I think you would describe that as fairly fast action. This expansion will continue to a projected target of 350 places by the middle of this year, and we hope that that can be achieved because that will be a good outcome. The Government is expanding the range of places where methadone can be provided. A facility at the City Health Centre, which we discussed this morning, has commenced operation, and another is planned to open in a few months in Phillip.
In addition, changes have been made to the program to provide a greater choice and flexibility. A charge will be levied on clients from the end of March 1993. The criterion for waiving the fee has been agreed between client representatives. Developing a drug-free lifestyle and harm minimisation will remain a core treatment goal. To date, I am told, on my last advice, four community pharmacies have expressed interest in distributing methadone. I asked some of the questions that you raised with me this morning. I am not able to tell you on what date the first pharmacy will distribute methadone. I have asked the question and will receive some advice on that matter in due course, and I will bring that to you.
Mr Kaine: You cannot even answer a question on notice.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .