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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 12 Hansard (19 November) . . Page.. 3760 ..

MR OSBORNE (continuing):

When I spoke to Ms Tucker a couple of weeks ago, I told her that I was quite happy to listen to what she had to say, but that if this was only a matter of a lack of finance there was no way I would support a no-confidence motion against Mrs Carnell. The Assembly has dealt with many of the issues regarding the health portfolio. I have said publicly that I think Mrs Carnell has too much on her plate. Being Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Health, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations - you name it; she is the Minister for it - takes up a fair amount of time. Today I have heard nothing that would warrant me forcing Mrs Carnell out of her current position.

I do have to say, though, that I stand by my initial thought. I would like to see her hand over the health portfolio to someone who could focus all their time on it, and perhaps create a fifth ministry. In discussions I had, I think with Ms Tucker, she said that Mrs Carnell has always said that it would cost an extra $200,000 for a fifth ministry. Ms Tucker might be able to refresh our memories on this later, but I think the figure was closer to $50,000. Given that health is the most volatile portfolio, and certainly the one that I and, I imagine, most members think requires somebody's total attention, I think the money would be worth it. Sitting on her backbench we have an ex-Chief Minister, who I think is wasted. I know Mr Kaine is probably squirming in his seat as I offer him the health ministry.

Mr De Domenico: He just about had a heart attack.

MR OSBORNE: A heart attack, Mr De Domenico says. In all seriousness, someone of his calibre is wasted, and I would like to think Mrs Carnell would give serious consideration to utilising the talent.

In relation to Mr Berry's amendment, I must say that I have never seen him quite as intense as he is today on this motion. Perhaps he sniffs a future job if we were to support this motion. I was not here in the past, but I find it quite interesting to have an amendment from a Health Minister who, I am told, blew a couple of budgets himself.

Mr Moore: Yes, an ex-Health Minister.

MR OSBORNE: We have an ex-Health Minister wanting to condemn the current one for doing exactly what he did. I think Ms Tucker was motivated by frustration. Certainly, different politicians have different areas that are very close to their hearts, and it is obvious that mental health is very close to Ms Tucker's heart; but today I have heard nothing that would warrant a no-confidence motion against the Chief Minister. Quite frankly, if she is to keep the job, out of the four at the front, given her experience in health issues, given the experience Mr Berry often refers to, I suppose she is better than any of the other options. Certainly, nothing has been said on this floor that would warrant me supporting either Ms Tucker's motion or the amendment from Mr Berry.

MS TUCKER (4.32): Mr Temporary Deputy Speaker, I need to address a few points that have been raised, so I will go back over them in order. I would like to clarify for Mr Osborne that it is not just my opinion that these are particularly vulnerable groups in our community. The Burdekin report, which you may not be familiar with, was the report on mental health - - -

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