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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 7 Hansard (6 June) . . Page.. 2027 ..

MR STANHOPE (continuing):

We also have, as reported in other studies-and recently-far fewer full-time general practitioners than other jurisdictions. Issues around GPs, and GP numbers in support, are essentially a Commonwealth responsibility. This continues to highlight the disappointing decision of the federal government, in its budget, to exclude the ACT from an initiative to encourage GPs to locate in fringe metropolitan areas.

It is an extensive report and I recommend it to members. It contains a plethora of extremely interesting and useful information.

In summary, in relation to national health priority areas, the ACT had the lowest death rate for injury and poisoning, with 36.3 per 100,000, compared with a national average of 42. It had below national average deaths in asthma and diabetes, with rates of 1.4 and 12.7 per 100,00, compared to 2.0 and 13.5. It had the second lowest rate of hospitalisation for people with type 2 diabetes, but had a rate per 100,000 for cardiovascular disease of 229 against the national average of 225. It had a rate of 13.2 per 100,000 for mental disorders, compared to a national rate of 12.4.

Further to the issue raised by Ms Dundas yesterday, on which I have a detailed response, we have a rate significantly above-and have maintained that-the national average immunisation rate for many years. The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures reported yesterday reflects an aged assessment of the immunisation situation in the ACT.

The ACT was above the national average for participation in the national cervical screening program for women aged 20 to 69. The ACT's percentage was 67-against the national average of 63 per cent. Similarly, in the age groups 50 to 69, the ACT had a higher than national average performance.

As I say, it is a very significant report. It contains a plethora of information across a whole range of indicators. I commend it to members with an interest in the health status of Canberrans.

I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper, Mr Speaker.

Fireworks

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I would like to provide further information about a question that Mr Cornwell asked in question time today. Mr Cornwell asked me whether there had been any inspection of fireworks retailers operating at EPIC. I am advised that WorkCover inspected those retail outlets on Monday of this week and is currently considering legal action in relation to those activities.

Paper

Mr Stanhope presented the following paper:

Administration of Justice-ACT Criminal Justice-Statistical Profile-March quarter 2002.

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