Page 699 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 11 February 2009

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Ms Gallagher: Which is why we are not having one there.

MR HANSON: Sure, but you certainly have raised that for consultation. The first one you have said is going into the hospital, but you certainly have raised the issue of putting nurse-led clinics in the suburbs—Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin. The issue of competitive work practices should not be something that would prevent us from putting GPs into those suburbs, into that greatest area of need. We certainly believe that there is a strong desire from the community and there is the ability, if we work with our federal government colleagues, to get more GPs into the suburbs. Certainly the Liberal Party remains committed to doing so.

I am disappointed that the government will not strive to become the best in the country in those categories outlined in the motion. I would like them to. The situation that we find ourselves in now is that the performance indicators that I have talked about are the result of eight years of this government. We have seen a decline in a number of areas, in emergency department rates, elective surgery rates and GP numbers. That has occurred on the watch of this government. Yes, there is lot of work going on, there is a lot of noise and a lot of money being spent, but I am asking the government to come out and say, “Yes, we can be the best, and we will be,” and to outline to us when that will occur.

I think that what I am calling for is entirely reasonable. I think it meets community expectations. I stand by the motion.

Question put:

That Mr Hanson’s motion be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 3	Noes 7
Mr Coe	Mr Barr	Ms Le Couteur
Mrs Dunne	Ms Bresnan	Ms Porter
Mr Hanson	Ms Burch	Mr Rattenbury
	Ms Gallagher

Question so resolved in the negative.

Community events

MS LE COUTEUR (Molonglo) (6.39): I move:

That this Assembly:

(1) acknowledges that live music and events are an integral part of our culture and essential for maintaining a vibrant, culturally diverse community; and

(2) calls on the ACT Government to:

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