Page 3589 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 18 August 2010
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Looking at paragraph (1)(b) of Mr Hanson’s motion, it is the Greens’ judgement, based on consultation with stakeholders, that urgent action has already been taken. Staff relationships have already changed because of recent actions, and more staff are being brought into the unit. If Mr Hanson had talked to prominent stakeholders outside the private obstetricians he would know that they are of the opinion that the matter is now being appropriately dealt with and it is time to move on. I assume by having put this motion today he is seeking to represent requests that have been put to him by private obstetricians, and if he is not I am not quite sure who he is seeking to represent.
Looking at paragraphs (1)(c) to (1)(e), these are matters that were debated here in the chamber yesterday. The Greens have already addressed the minister’s actions in relation to the code of conduct. It is our view that, while the minister did not specifically say that there was absolutely nothing to look into, she did imply, based on advice she had received from her department, that it was unlikely that any of the complaints could be substantiated. We do not agree with what the Liberals have listed in their clauses (1)(c) to (1)(e), but we do not agree, either, that the government has a completely clear record of events on this.
Going to clause (1)(f), the Greens do recognise that the local ABC radio station did provide a public forum through which concerns about public safety and bullying and harassment were raised. We recognise that between 16 and 20 February this year there were a number of articles and interviews conducted by the ABC which resulted in the minister writing to her department on 21 February seeking an independent review of clinical outcomes and inquiring as to how ACT Health may engage on the public concerns around bullying and harassment.
On 24 February Mr Hanson brought a motion to this place calling on the government to facilitate an inquiry through the Inquiries Act. The Greens did not think using the formal and public processes of the Inquiries Act was an appropriate manner in which to deal with concerns regarding bullying in the workplace and we ensured that the inquiry into this area of the concerns was conducted independently rather than internally, as may have occurred if the matter had not come before the Assembly. Both major parties may continue to try and claim credit for certain actions but, really, is it not about time all parties focused on the needs of the patients and staff rather than those of politicians?
On paragraph (1)(h), I am interested to know who exactly Mr Hanson is referring to when he says that significant concerns remain in the community and amongst staff, because that is not a view that has been put to the ACT Greens when we have spoken to stakeholders.
As to paragraph (2) and looking to suggestions by Mr Hanson about the appropriate way forward, the Greens disagree with Mr Hanson’s suggestions. The only people that probably deserve an apology are those people on the ground at the unit who do not have a voice in this affair, did not have their complaints properly handled, and continue to be affected by public discussion on this issue.
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