Page 2282 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 17 August 1993
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But that commitment did not actually say that they would be building a new hospice or that we would be using the old buildings. My understanding at the time - I would say that the majority of people in Canberra had the same understanding - was that if you were going to use the Acton Peninsula for health facilities you were likely to use a very good building that is standing there, unused, at the moment.
Of course, the Acton West Basin Community Consultative Committee - there really is no very good acronym for that - also has been undertaking broad consultation to try to assess the best way to use that site. The NCPA also is looking at the best way to use that site. I think it is important that I go back and quote Professor and Mrs Aitchison. They said:
Better that than to have the hospice in the wrong place, and to ruin the whole of beautiful, historic and unique Acton Peninsula in the process.
Mr Berry, what is important here is that you reconsider; that you take into account the political realities and the parameters that I have set out and reconsider the position of the proposed hospice on the Acton Peninsula. It seems to me appropriate that we use the buildings that exist. From my discussions with people throughout Canberra on this issue it seems apparent to almost everybody that that is what one ought to do. I would argue that blind Freddy could see the advantages of using a recently refurbished building, but it seems too much of a strain for Wayne.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health and hospices.
MR BERRY (Minister for Health, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (4.20): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am sure you know that that is a bit beyond my full title; but I will take credit for the new hospice when it is built at Acton, along with the rest of the matters. Mr Deputy Speaker, the negotiations for the establishment of a hospice service in the ACT began in the early 1980s, and in March 1990 the then Government announced its support for the development of a service in Canberra. The Alliance Government agreed in March 1990 to the establishment of hospice facilities as an adjunct to the public hospital redevelopment program. Earlier we heard Mr Humphries, in a personal explanation, complaining that he had an open mind about this issue, but I will read something to you from Hansard, Mr Deputy Speaker, and you can make up your own mind about whether he misled the house or not. This is what he said on 27 March 1990:
Subject to an agreement with the Commonwealth Government on funding, this centre could also make provision for the special needs of veterans. A birthing centre and hospice facilities will also be provided.
Now, wait for it:
These facilities will be collocated with the major public hospitals and will also be developed as part of the overall hospital program.
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