Page 3103 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 20 September 1994
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MS FOLLETT: I thank Ms Szuty for the question, Madam Speaker. I will say, first of all, that I have not seen this draft amendment to a land use policy. It is a matter, as I understand Ms Szuty's question, that has arisen from the National Capital Planning Authority. I will certainly look at the document and establish whether there is a need to make the kinds of representations that Ms Szuty has mentioned to the Commonwealth.
I am aware, of course, that in the past the Commonwealth has in fact had policies about the number of public servants and the number of offices that might be accommodated in Civic. As a result of that policy, we have seen a range of Commonwealth officers dispersed into the regional centres - Belconnen springs to mind; also Tuggeranong, more recently. So, there clearly has been a move by the Commonwealth to take that kind of action. I will, as I say, have a look at the document to see whether representations to the Commonwealth to ensure that they do carry on with that policy are required. I will need to consult also with the Minister for Planning, Mr Wood, whose portfolio does appear to cover the bulk of the issue that Ms Szuty has raised. I will provide Ms Szuty with a substantive response on that matter as soon as I can.
Woden Valley Hospital
MR BERRY: My question is to Mr Connolly, the Minister for Health. Many of us have grown rather tired of the constant carping by Mrs Carnell about our public hospital system and the heaping of derision on that wonderful public hospital system which is being strengthened by the Labor Party. I saw today in the Canberra Times a story about the opening of an outpatient unit at Woden Valley Hospital. Would the Minister try to get that good news to this Assembly, past the constant carping of Mrs Carnell, in order that the Canberra community can be better informed about the good news in health?
MR CONNOLLY: Members opposite will hear some if they just keep quiet for a minute. It is very easy to be the Opposition, to constantly carp, to constantly criticise, to promise everybody everything. You name it as a health problem and Mrs Carnell will spend money to fix it, despite pledging herself to slash $30m, or 13 per cent, from the health budget.
There has been concern, and understandably, in Canberra about Woden Valley Hospital. For the last four years we have been embarking on the largest hospital redevelopment project in Australia around a working hospital, and that has caused enormous stress and strains for both the public of Canberra and, particularly, the people who work in the hospital. As I have said before, it is a significant tribute to the professionalism of the nursing and medical staff that Woden Valley Hospital last year - - -
Mrs Carnell: The ones you have just said are overpaid.
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