Page 3897 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 4 December 2007
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Neither of those agencies was called and although there was agreement reached with my office for further questioning or for questions on the second appropriation to be allowed during my appearance at annual reports hearings, no member of the committee took the opportunity to put questions to me at that time. In fact, from memory, since that time I have only received a couple of question on notice from Dr Foskey in relation to the ATSI drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.
Mrs Burke: I have got 20 on notice.
MS GALLAGHER: Well, I have not seen those yet.
Mrs Burke: You have not got them yet? Okay.
MS GALLAGHER: They must be coming to me. I have not had the opportunity to talk about the initiatives in the health portfolio. They are important initiatives. In fact, the largest single initiative relates to the capital asset development plan. Contrary to the view of those opposite that this is just spending willy-nilly with no foresight and with no longer-term looking into future spending, this funding is about ensuring that our health system has the capital infrastructure required to meet the needs of our community in 2022.
I do not know about anyone else sitting in this chamber, but I certainly do not intend to be sitting in this chamber in 2022. I do not intend to be a member of the government or the health minister at that time. I am actually trying, through this initiative, to put forward a longer-term view—dare I say a view without politics—to make sure that everyone knows the future needs of our health system.
We have significant challenges in terms of our ageing community. When our baby-boomers hit that point, their health needs are going to be very substantial. We have massive increases in chronic disease in particular areas—diabetes, heart disease and illnesses associated with the lifestyles that many of us are leading. This work is going to map out our health needs for the long-term future. It is not about helping this government or even the next government.
It is about being able to provide for our children a health system that is prepared for the onslaughts that will present. This is very important work. It is looking at everything from capital to clinical needs, and a wide consultation process will be implemented. This is extremely important work for the ACT community. I look forward to discussing it with members of the Assembly as it proceeds. It needs everyone to be behind it and supporting it.
The 2007-08 appropriation provides for about $1.6 million in recurrent funding, growing to just over $2 million in recurrent funding in the outyear and around $9 million in capital. In response to the question: why now; why not before, health is being funded in the budget with a component of growth in it. That growth funding provides for a range of initiatives. These initiatives were outside the funding envelope in the budget, but when the opportunity arose for a second appropriation, I did take the opportunity to put forward things that we probably would have funded in next
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