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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 4 Hansard (10 April) . . Page.. 929 ..

MS GALLAGHER (continuing):

Hopefully, this research will give us improved understanding of human development, including the nutritional and hormonal determinants on making unspecialised cells into specific tissue types.

Abnormal cell development in embryos can lead to cancer, and birth defects. This research could potentially correct these conditions. Stem cell research can lead to medical science moving away from treatments that manage conditions-to the cellular renewal of tissues which are damaged. These therapeutic benefits can affect treatment for afflictions as diverse and damaging as skin burns, cancer, cystic fibrosis and HIV.

There is also the future potential of using this research to improve the acceptance of certain types of cells in transplant surgery. This would limit the use of immuno-suppressant drugs. That has benefits for all of us. The point, however, is not to simply establish that this research could be beneficial, it is to affirm the value of the scientific endeavour which has led us to this point.

The decision of COAG to provide uniform legislation across all jurisdictions is a huge advance. This will enable science to demonstrate this potential, and undertake research for the common good, without undue interference. I have no problem endorsing this research.

I believe that research in this field will deliver results, and I believe the research will be judged on that basis. This may occur in my lifetime, and it may not. The point is that it is inappropriate for the moral imperative to dictate the course of important scientific work, and curtail its possible benefits in this field.

I had a bit more to say. Everyone else has said it, so I do not think I need to say it again. I am just going to rush through, and go to the end.

Mr Cornwell: You are very welcome in this chamber, thank you.

MS GALLAGHER: It is rare, but I think it is about time!

Mr Speaker, the work of the Labor leaders, including our own Chief Minister, deserve commendation for achieving a consistent, uniform, thorough, and ethical national approach to stem cell research. Future generations will be thankful that members of all parliaments across Australia have united to provide a clear framework and guidelines for research using stem cells.

Hopefully, when this research gives us greater insight into and understanding of human life, and improves the quality of life for sufferers of diseases and other afflictions, those who have opposed these moves will recognise that their fears were unfounded. I commend the member, Mrs Cross, for raising this issue.

MR SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms Gallagher. Ms Gallagher has just set a new standard, where she is not going to use debating time on matters that have already been talked about by other members.

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