Page 1528 - Week 04 - Thursday, 25 March 2010
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MS GALLAGHER: Yes, we had to replace the 114 you took out, but we have done more than that. We have more than 200 beds now, in addition to what we came to government with, and they are the single biggest contributor—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: and occupancy rates within the hospital have fallen and are close to the—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson!
MS GALLAGHER: 85 per cent target that we set ourselves for managing the hospital effectively. And that has come because of the extra beds that have been delivered. There will be more beds to come, as we have made clear in our election commitments, and indeed the majority of the staff that those opposite have been carrying on about—that they should not have been employed—have been extra nurses to staff the operating theatres and the extra beds that we have created that capacity for in the hospital.
Human Rights Act—application
MS LE COUTEUR: My question is to the Attorney-General and concerns the application of the Human Rights Act. Mr Corbell, last week I asked the Minister for Planning whether or not he intended to direct ACTPLA to renotify a development application in Latham, as recommended by ACAT, in order to comply with the Human Rights Act. It appears now that the ACTPLA will not be renotifying the application. What actions have you or the human rights unit taken in light of the adverse finding by ACAT to ensure Human Rights Act compliance by ACTPLA?
MR CORBELL: I am advised by the Minister for Planning that it was not an order of ACAT; it was a recommendation of ACAT in relation to that matter. The tribunal, as I am advised by the Minister for Planning, did not order that to occur. I would need to take further advice on the matter and I will have to come back to the member.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Le Couteur, a supplementary?
MS LE COUTEUR: Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question then is: why has no action been taken, and do the government and the human rights unit have a process in place to report to you on adverse human rights findings by courts and tribunals?
MR CORBELL: The relevant government agency involved in the action would be the responsible agency for dealing with the matter, and I would expect government agencies to seek advice as they deem necessary to ensure that they are upholding their obligations.
MS HUNTER: A supplementary.
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