Page 1513 - Week 05 - Thursday, 7 April 2005

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The removal of subsections 22 (4) and 37 (7) is also necessary to allow greater flexibility in accessing the provisions of these schedules before they commence. It is important to be able to access these provisions before they commence, to facilitate a seamless transfer of all health professions under the new legislation.

This bill also moves to make permanent items currently included in the Health Professionals Amendment Regulation (No 1). These amendments have come to the government’s attention as a result of advice provided by the Medical Board of the ACT. The legal advice raised a number of concerns in respect of whom the act applies to, the transfer of unfinished inquiries, referrals to the health professionals tribunal, referrals to the professional standards panel and the establishment of health professionals boards and, in particular, the validation of the medical board election. Many of the concerns raised by the board are legitimate and have now been addressed by some minor amendments to the existing legislation.

Finally, there is a change in this bill for the inclusion of veterinary surgeons under the Health Professionals Act 2004. The inclusion of veterinary surgeons as part of the health professional standards legislation will require an extension of the current definition of health service to include health services provided to animals. The inclusion of veterinary surgeons in the health professional standards will provide the general public with the assurance that persons who provide health services to animals can be relied upon to provide a professional and competent service consistent with the registration requirements that apply to that profession. Mr Speaker, I commend the bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Smyth) adjourned to the next sitting.

Estimates 2005-2006—Select Committee

Appointment

MR MULCAHY (Molonglo) (12.12): I move:

That:

(1) a Select Committee on Estimates 2005-2006 be appointed to examine the expenditure proposals contained in the Appropriation Bill 2005-2006 and any revenue estimates proposed by the Government in the 2005-2006 Budget;

(2) the Committee be composed of

(a) two Members to be nominated by the Government;

(b) two Members to be nominated by the Opposition; and

to be notified in writing to the Speaker by 4.00 pm today;

(3) the Committee report by 21 June 2005;

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