Page 3655 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 21 November 2007

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .

is just one small part. It proposes a solution to the absolute necessity for due diligence and targeted action as we move to the future with an ageing population, increasingly sophisticated practice and essential delivery of hospital services to the people of Canberra and its region.

I will not go on too much more. Obviously, the bill is going down. Nobody wants to take a proper look at it. That is quite sad. When we as the opposition are attempting to offer some useful comment, it is sad that it is being rejected in this place. But I thank members for speaking to the bill and thank those who have supported it for their support.

Question put:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 5

Noes 8

Mrs Burke

Mr Stefaniak

Mr Barr

Mr Gentleman

Mr Mulcahy

Mr Berry

Mr Hargreaves

Mr Seselja

Dr Foskey

Ms MacDonald

Mr Smyth

Ms Gallagher

Mr Stanhope

Question so resolved in the negative.

Health system

MS MacDONALD (Brindabella) (4.32): I move:

That this Assembly:

(1) acknowledges the importance of appropriate investment in the ACT health system;

(2) recognises the Government’s commitment to provide the ACT and region with accessible, timely and quality health care services;

(3) acknowledges the commitment and professionalism of ACT Health’s workforce in delivering high quality health services; and

(4) recognises the importance of long term strategic planning for health services to service the Canberra community health needs into the future.

I move this motion today in an effort to correct the trashing and talking down of our excellent health system that those opposite have engaged in over recent weeks and months. There need to be appropriate levels of investment in our health system. That is what this government has done. In this year’s budget, the Stanhope government is spending a record $801 million on our health system, an expenditure further enhanced by last week’s second appropriation bill.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .