Page 4566 - Week 15 - Tuesday, 14 December 1993
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and information in relation to health rights and responsibilities, and encourage the resolution of complaints about health services. This proposed legislation is exemplary legislation for consumers, and I have no doubt that it will lead the way to betterment and enrichment of health consumer rights.
Mrs Carnell: Based upon a Victorian model.
MR BERRY: No, it is not altogether the Victorian model; I am sorry. Queensland as well as New South Wales were looked at. It was not just a lift, and it was also the subject of close consultation as well. The draft Health Complaints Bill was released as an exposure package for public comment, as was mentioned, from 26 August until 30 December 1993. Over 300 copies of the package were distributed to 100 different community groups and there has been significant response on issues that were addressed.
Mr Deputy Speaker, it is landmark legislation for the Territory. Australia-wide there have been other moves in this direction which have led the way, undoubtedly; but we are happy to be amongst the vanguard of the States and Territories who are providing this sort of service for the community. I think it was Mr Moore who spoke about empowerment. It makes the health service user more powerful in the scheme of things. I have not spoken about Mr Moore's proposed amendments yet, so I will do so now.
Mr Moore: They are very sensible.
MR BERRY: Mr Moore claims that they are very sensible, but they are to be opposed for very good reason.
Mr De Domenico: By whom?
Mrs Carnell: Not by us.
MR BERRY: You are in opposition; I would expect you to oppose the Government anyway, so it does not matter whether it makes sense or not. The issue is the quality of people that we attract to these positions. If there is a risk of somebody being torn down in some furious debate in this Assembly, then I fear that the quality of people who might present for these jobs could be affected. I think that is a likely outcome. There is no doubt in my mind that sooner or later somebody will be pulled down, and when that happens it will do irreparable damage to the process of securing quality people for these positions. I leave it at that. I have said it before - all care and no risk. You have no responsibility for appointing people but can tear them down at a whim. That is the proposal.
Mr De Domenico: No. It works both ways.
MR BERRY: It does not work both ways.
Mr De Domenico: You come and consult with this Assembly about the people that you want to appoint.
MR BERRY: No, no; the Bill does not say that. The Bill does not say that, so I will not be consulting with you.
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