Page 5223 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 27 October 2010
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I have also proposed an amendment that calls on the government to assist interested community groups in getting the funding to do a feasibility study because, while there may be some enthusiasm on the Assembly’s part to see the health co-ops get up, we need the assurance that the figures are right and there is enough support for such a movement within the local community. Obviously, a good business model is important. This is what occurred for the West Belconnen Health Co-op and, as such, we believe it should occur with other groups. If community groups form and can demonstrate the capacity and the commitment, then we can have the next conversation about seed funding.
I commend my amendments to the Assembly. Again, I thank Mrs Dunne for bringing forward this motion about this incredibly successful and important organisation out there in west Belconnen. I was very privileged to go and visit the centre. Peter White and Roger Nicoll took me on a tour. It was very early days at that point, but it was such an impressive operation that had been set up. At that time they were seeking a number of engagements or MOUs with community organisations to also deliver their services out of the facility, and I know that many of those have been successful. Of course, it is so pleasing to see that they are setting up a second premises in Totterdell Street. I congratulate them on a wonderful success and the important and essential service that they are providing, not just to the people of west Belconnen but to people who live outside of the area who do need that access to GPs who bulk bill.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Hunter, did you move your amendments?
MS HUNTER: I did move my amendments, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: You need leave to move them as a group as you have three separate amendments.
MS HUNTER: I seek leave to move the amendments circulated in my name together.
Leave granted.
MS HUNTER: I move the amendments circulated in my name together.
(1) Omit paragraph (3), substitute:
“(3) acknowledges that the:
(a) ACT Government provided a $15 000 grant to the West Belconnen Health Co-op so that it could conduct an initial Feasibility Study and Business Plan with the help of a professional practice management consultant; and once that was deemed successful the ACT and Commonwealth governments each provided seed funding to the project at a value of $200 000 each; and
(b) Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services Report into ‘Access to Primary Health Care Services’ recommended that the ACT Government monitor the progress of the West
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