Page 2296 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 29 August 2007

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This additional tool will enable police to perhaps nip more serious matters in the bud. Also, industry groups like the AHA, publicans and people I have spoken to over a number of years have been keen to see the introduction of an infringement notice scheme along these lines. That is a strong argument for it, as is the experience in New South Wales. I remember speaking to a constable from a city police station; we had a detailed discussion about how effective this had proved to be in New South Wales when it was introduced.

I commend the bill to the Assembly. I think it will greatly assist police in doing their job; it will greatly assist the courts in terms of greater efficiency. Ultimately, it will greatly assist offenders by perhaps stopping them doing something a lot more serious and getting themselves into trouble. It will give them another option rather than going to court. They can always go to court to defend the matter, if they wish. I think this bill will greatly assist our justice system. It is a very simple bill, and I hope members will be sensible enough to support it.

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

Public health system

MRS BURKE (Molonglo) (10.53): I move:

That this Assembly:

(1) notes the lack of:

(a) basic equipment and supplies being readily available to nursing staff at ACT public hospitals;

(b) management oversight in regard to consistent infection control protocols and procedures being followed at both ACT public hospitals; and

(c) appropriate methods of allocating staff to hospital wards;

(2) notes that the Australian Nurses Federation has developed it’s own “Critical Staffing Notice” warning management of insufficient staffing levels and safe accommodation of patients; and

(3) calls on the Minister for Health, Ms Gallagher MLA to:

(a) publicly:

(i) assure the community that patient care is not being compromised in relation to part (1); and

(ii) encourage nurses and all medical professionals to report on breaches of protocol and failings in the health system without fear of losing their jobs;

(b) table all relevant protocols, procedures and practices relating to part (1); and

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