Page 1701 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, are the data checks that the ACT has in place similar or different to what other states and territories have?
MS GALLAGHER: As I understand it—I asked that question as well. Whilst I have not been through each state’s verification processes, my understanding is that they are largely similar. If there are recommendations from the audit that is underway and, indeed, if the Auditor-General inquires into it, I presume part of that will be looking at what standards are in place and whether we need to make any changes based on that.
MR HANSON: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, what actions have been taken to inform other states and territories that our data in the AHIW report released yesterday is false and cannot be relied upon?
MS GALLAGHER: I raised it with all my fellow health ministers on Friday and informed them of the situation in the ACT. I also explained the process we are undertaking. Mr Hanson was hoping that I had not done anything. He looks a little bit disappointed that I actually have. I have done exactly what a minister needs to do. I have raised it with all of my colleagues. I also pointed out that, whilst we were going through data verification processes, it might be worth while all ministers having a look at theirs. I also—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order, members! Thank you, members!
MS GALLAGHER: No, it is not the Assembly’s fault. An issue has become a problem here—
Opposition members interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: I know they are not interested. It is not that unusual, when a problem arises in one jurisdiction, for health ministers to inform other health ministers of what the problem is to make sure that, if it is an issue there, they will be able to look into it too. It is not unusual, Mr Hanson. It is entirely responsible. I feel that I did the right thing on Friday by explaining it to all of them.
Housing—affordability
MS BRESNAN: My question is to the Minister for Economic Development and concerns low income households and housing stress. Minister, last year I asked you if you agreed with the affordable housing coalition’s assertion that the ACT had the worst rate of low income households in housing stress. You said you did not. Yesterday Anglicare Australia labelled Canberra’s rental affordability the worst of any city after a property snapshot found that there was virtually no affordable housing
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video