Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 4 Hansard (6 May) . . Page.. 1003 ..

The Government has recognised that demand for our public hospital services is growing by allocating funds to enable record numbers of people to be treated over the next 12 months. A major priority within our hospital system has been to reduce waiting times for Canberrans of all ages who need important elective surgery. Since we were elected to government two years ago, there has been a 15 per cent drop in the number of people waiting for surgery as at the end of March. Today I can announce that in 1997-98 we will double funding for the ACT's waiting list reduction program to $3m. That will mean over 1,000 new patients.

Cardio-thoracic surgery, first promised almost 20 years ago, is almost a reality, with the first patient due to be operated on at the Canberra Hospital in late July this year and up to 270 more procedures to be performed in the first year of operation. Funding of $3.5m has been set aside for the unit, which is expected to create up to 40 new jobs as patient numbers increase. The Government has also decided to expand the highly successful community midwives program in the ACT and better meet the needs of Canberra women and families by increasing the number of available birthing places from 175 to 240.

Resources for key community health programs have been boosted in this budget, with additional funds of $180,000 to enhance child immunisation coverage and $250,000 for improved dental services. Two community health centres, Phillip and Kippax, will also be refurbished this year. As part of ongoing reforms of the Territory's mental health services, the Government will be allocating a further $250,000 to establish more community-based residential places for Canberrans with mental illnesses.

The Government has committed additional funding to speed up reform within disability services and, at a cost of up to $1m, we will establish a special group home for up to six clients who have complex needs and behavioural problems and cannot be looked after in existing residences. By early 1998, it is anticipated that six new community-based houses will be opened across Canberra to provide supported accommodation for 24 younger people with disabilities, many of whom have been living in nursing homes. A total of $50,000 will also be provided to augment school holiday and after-school programs for children with disabilities.

In this budget, the Government will also significantly expand the level of services available to people with disabilities and the frail aged who live at home but who need help. In 1997-98, the home and community care program is projected to increase by $940,000, or 10.5 per cent - the largest single increase since it was established. The Government will also be setting up the first ACT seniors Internet centre at the Woden library in July. Ms McRae thinks that is funny. I have to say that I think it is an exciting initiative. I can also announce today that the ACT Volunteer Centre will receive additional funding of $60,000 from the Territory to support the excellent work carried out by volunteers in our community.

Mr Speaker, funding for education has been maintained in real terms for the third consecutive year, in line with the election commitment made by this Government. Despite the significant pressures facing the ACT economy, we have made a conscious decision to maintain and enhance resources for schools and colleges across both government and non-government sectors. Our commitment, too, to improving the basic

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .