Page 4287 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 29 November 1994
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PSYCHOLOGISTS BILL 1994
[COGNATE BILL:
HEALTH LEGISLATION (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994]
Debate resumed from 10 November 1994, on motion by Mr Connolly:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
MADAM SPEAKER: Is it the wish of the Assembly to debate this order of the day concurrently with the Health Legislation (Consequential Amendments) Bill 1994? There being no objection, that course will be followed. I remind members that in debating order of the day No. 8 they may also address their remarks to order of the day No. 9.
MRS CARNELL (Leader of the Opposition) (11.13): Madam Speaker, the Opposition is delighted, finally, to be able to speak on the Psychologists Bill 1994, which, as the Minister stated in his tabling speech only two short weeks ago, "fulfils, in part, the Territory's commitment to introduce a uniform approach to the regulation of health occupations across all States and Territories in the interests of public health and safety". It is true that we are fulfilling our commitment. What I object to is the length of time that it has taken to do so. As Wayne Berry reminded us on radio - - -
Mr Berry: Too fast, too slow; too high, too low.
MRS CARNELL: You would have to admit that this has taken lots longer than you would have liked. Mr Berry said that this was an election promise. It was also an election promise for the First Assembly. We are the last State or Territory to go down this track. It is a pity that it always has to be done when an election is just around the corner.
Madam Speaker, the Psychologists Bill will provide for the registration of psychologists and will control the practice of psychologists in the ACT. The Bill will ensure that a patient receiving a psychological service is receiving it from a properly qualified and trained psychologist. However, despite my delight with the introduction of this Bill, there are several concerns which the Opposition has and we will be seeking to amend it. They are, though, very much secondary to the basis of this piece of legislation.
Mr Berry: Why do you not give us notice of these things, Kate? You have to be consulted on everything, but you will not tell us what you are up to.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MRS CARNELL: These concerns have been raised with us by a number of members of the profession of psychology, which, Madam Speaker, is the reason why we bring them forward tonight, even though Mr Berry does not feel that that is appropriate. Obviously, he does not think that community consultation is a good way to go.
Mr Berry: No; you should consult with us about your amendments. It would help.
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