Page 3418 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 13 October 1993
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MR WOOD: The light-hearted Frith column related a rumour of a deal between the Department of the Environment, Land and Planning and the Australian National University concerning Mount Stromlo Observatory and Sylvia Curley House. The nature of her column may mean that there is no requirement to check for accuracy. The rumour is absolutely wrong and is offensive. Neither the ANU nor DELP work that way. If it is thought there is a silence, and I am not aware of a silence, it is because the ANU and DELP are engaged in a discussion on merits, on hard data, and on the basis of scientific examination of the effects of increased lighting. Some people find it difficult to comprehend that that is the way we proceed.
Doctors - Advertising
MR MOORE: My question is directed to the Minister for Health, Mr Berry. I refer to a letter in yesterday morning's paper, the Canberra Times of 12 October, from the chairman of the Medical Board. He perceives regulations controlling doctors' advertising to be part and parcel of government policy, which falls into your responsibility. When are you proposing to change regulations for a rational and logical approach to advertising the medical professional?
MR BERRY: I reckon that if you are around next Tuesday you will get an inkling about that. I can say to you that we intend to consult with the Medical Board and the AMA in relation to this matter, and that process is in place right now.
MR MOORE: I have a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. Minister, it seems to me that the Medical Board has put it entirely back in your field. In that letter it was quite clear that they would just administer what regulations you proposed. The question really is: What are you doing about it? While we are at it, what other changes have you proposed for the Medical Board? Clearly, there is a need for a great deal.
MR BERRY: In relation to the Medical Board, I saw what they wrote in the paper, but I also - - -
Mr Moore: They put the ball back in your court.
MR BERRY: That is fine. That is where it should be, and I can handle it; I can take it on the full. I also rely on the board, at times, for advice in relation to these matters, and I would not want to be accused of failing to consult. I am taking the consultation issue seriously and just a few moments ago I signed a letter to the board in relation to what regulations might be the case in the future. Similarly, what might be - - -
Mr Kaine: You are going to start consulting, after you have written the letter, are you?
MR BERRY: No, no. Similarly, I have written to the Australian Medical Association on the same score because they may have something positive to contribute. As I always do, I intend to follow the path of consultation, because I have embarked on it, and to do it with honour.
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