Page 1867 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 7 June 2006

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I take on board the comments of Dr Foskey and Mrs Dunne in relation to the consultation process. I think there is a degree of common ground that we have seen in this debate. As I say, I look forward to engaging with the community and I commend this bill to the Assembly.

Question put:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

Public health system

MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (4.48): I move:

That this Assembly:

(1) notes the importance of an effective public health system for the ACT community; and

(2) recognises the continuing commitment of the Stanhope Labor Government to this system.

It goes without saying that every community needs an effective public health system. That the ACT has such an effective public system is self-evident. Canberrans are healthier and live longer than other Australians, according to the Report on government services 2006. We have the lowest mortality rate and infant mortality rate in the country. We have the highest proportion of children who are fully immunised, and we have the lowest rates of potentially preventable hospitalisation for acute and chronic conditions and, through ACT Health, we are working at improving our public health system.

The government provides a full range of acute care, including inpatient, outpatient and emergency department services at the Canberra Hospital and the Calvary Public Hospital. Whenever the Canberra Hospital is mentioned we hear cries of doom and

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