Page 2294 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 17 August 1993
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2. As access to the Acton Peninsula is difficult by public transport, why are there plans for the hospice, and possibly, the convalescent unit and rehabilitation and aged care units to be sited there?
3. Why isn't consideration being given to siting the hospice and convalescent unit close to facilities such as a shopping centre, rather than in isolation on Acton Peninsula.
4. Why is the Rehabilitation and Aged Care Unit being moved from Woden Valley Hospital to Acton Peninsula where there are no medical support facilities and no easy access for clients and their carers.
Madam Speaker, why indeed? The answer, Madam Speaker, I think, is this: Mr Berry wants to expiate his guilt. Mr Berry feels that he has, in some way, gotten into the same boat as those pernicious Liberals in deciding to confirm the decision to close the Royal Canberra Hospital. Mr Berry wants to prove that, despite the fact that he was forced to close the hospital - that dearly beloved hospital, to the people of the ACT - in reality he sympathises with continued use of that site for medical purposes. Therefore, Mr Berry is going to struggle against the facts, to struggle against the overwhelming indications, the overwhelming proof and views of experts in this field, and put the hospice on a site that nobody, apart from himself and a couple of others, seems to want - that is, the Acton Peninsula.
Mr Kaine: Even John Langmore has deserted him.
MR HUMPHRIES: Even John Langmore, a left member of the Federal Parliament.
Mr De Domenico: But a different left faction.
MR HUMPHRIES: Obviously, a different left faction member. Even he could not come at that decision. Community consultation that has been undertaken indicates that the ACT Hospice Society is against the plan; the Cancer Society of the ACT is against the plan; the Australian Medical Association, Canberra branch, is against the plan; the former Board of Health is against the plan; the ACT Council on the Ageing is against the plan; the Women's Electoral Lobby is against the plan; and Mr John Langmore, MP, a left member of the Federal Labor Caucus, is against the plan. How much more evidence do you need, Mr Berry, to realise that you are wrong? You are completely and utterly wrong and, for the sake of this Territory and the future of our health facilities, you should withdraw that plan.
MADAM SPEAKER: This discussion has concluded.
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