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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 8 Hansard (25 August) . . Page.. 2391 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

projects and important new developments in the operation of our Territory. I think that is pretty worth while. That is something which is worth working towards. The gain, I think, is worth that particular pain.

Mr Speaker, I hope that the result of this Government's efforts is that the ACT never has to go into the red again once we have achieved the black, and that those who have done so much to oppose us getting to this stage do not allow us to slip backwards again in the future, back into the red. I have heard a lot from the Labor Party about management in the last few months, but what we have achieved in the last few years speaks for itself. Management of the ACT's economic position is perhaps the most important responsibility that falls in the hands of the Government, and I think great credit is owed to the Government, in particular to the Treasurer who brought the Territory to this point, Mrs Carnell.

MR HIRD: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. It is good news, but when the Treasurer was identifying the steps up to the year 2001 there was much interjection over there and I could not hear the figures. Could I ask the Treasurer to re-emphasise the good news? What are the steps and what are our targets to the year 2001?

MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Mr Hird for that supplementary question. Of course, we expect - - -

Mr Stanhope: That was snoring, Harold, not interjections.

MR HUMPHRIES: It says a lot about the ACT Opposition, Mr Speaker, that they are prepared so assiduously to pour cold water on information on figures which are pretty important to every one of their constituents.

Mr Quinlan: Self-flagellation is what we are pouring cold water on, mate.

MR HUMPHRIES: Self-flagellation might be deserved if the result of it is something that every one of us and every one of the people out there will get benefit from. You people are going to find one day that you are going to want to spend money on projects, if you are ever back in government, and I have my doubts, and you are going to be thankful for the surplus that this Government created in reaching that position. The figures, Mr Speaker, were a $9m operating loss this financial year, a $62m surplus next financial year, and $110m in 2001-02.

MR OSBORNE: My question is to the Minister for Health and it is about funding for the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Medical Service. Minister, have you formally responded to the Commonwealth Department of Health's request for agreement with the Commonwealth over funding for this service? Further, are you aware that this matter is causing delays in the release of operating funds vital to this service? Are you able to inform us of when this matter is likely to be resolved?

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