Page 56 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 14 February 2012
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unit is not seen as an appropriate place for a particular individual. And individuals tend to be known in the ACT as well, so all of the factors relating to their wellness or unwellness would be taken into consideration before a clinical decision is made.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary.
MS BRESNAN: Minister, given the mental health and drug and alcohol policy units are now in one unit, are you confident that this policy directive has translated into service delivery?
MS GALLAGHER: I have no reason to believe it has not, but that is not to say that challenges around appropriate supports for people will magically disappear because of these collaborations within the directorate. There will be, and is, as you would know, Ms Bresnan, support for some very challenging individuals. I have no reason to believe that the Health Directorate staff do not consider the whole person when they are making decisions about where the appropriate places or supports for that person are. That may mean that we have to look at other ways, ways outside of perhaps the traditional service delivery—again, as you know, with particular individuals in the ACT—to look at the best way that we can provide supports to them as individuals. We are doing that work as well.
MR HANSON: Supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, does your broken promise to build a secure mental health facility—because the cost blew out from $11 million to $30 million and it was meant to be opened last year—does that have any bearing on this issue?
MS GALLAGHER: Mr Hanson is just showing his clear lack of knowledge about anything to do with the mental health service sector if he feels that those two issues are interrelated. I would just point out the hypocrisy of the Liberals’ position: if a project changes scope, is increased in scope, and the budget increases, then it is your fault; if you stop a project because it is heading over budget, to reassess, it is also your fault. I draw that to your attention, Mr Hanson; you cannot have it both ways.
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Thank you, members! Mr Hanson!
MS GALLAGHER: If you think that this matter is related to the forensic or secure unit, you are sadly wrong.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Hanson!
MS GALLAGHER: And after years in the shadow role you should be very ashamed of yourself that you are even asking the question.
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