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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 11 Hansard (21 October) . . Page.. 3493 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

With the indulgence of the house, I might briefly diverge to recommend to members a book that was launched in Canberra yesterday called What's Daniel Doing. It is the biographical story of a schizophrenic. At the launch at lunchtime yesterday it was said that it was compelling reading. The doctor who launched it, Dr Les Drew, said that he had read it pretty much at one sitting. I have read it. Members might have noticed me sitting here reading it. I read in a day. It gives a very good insight into the difficulties faced by a schizophrenic and faced by his family and all with whom the schizophrenic comes in contact. It gives a very good insight so that members can ponder the problems and the difficulties. I would encourage members to buy the book and read it.

MR MOORE (Minister for Health and Community Care) (5.09), in reply: As Mr Wood said, these amendments are largely technical, so I can understand members not wishing to spend a huge amount of time on this Bill. However, this is an opportunity to remind members that it is Mental Health Week this week. There have been a number of functions that I have seen other members at, Mr Wood in particular. The support that we have had in this Assembly for a coordinated approach to mental health issues bodes well for all members of the Assembly and for our future in dealing with this very difficult task.

It is now recorded that one in five Australians will suffer mental illness within their lifetime, so every person is likely to be touched by mental health issues in one way or another. The cooperative approach that we have taken across this legislation is welcomed by the Government. I think that all members of the Assembly can be proud of it.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

Debate resumed from 19 October 1999.

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