Page 3436 - Week 08 - Thursday, 23 August 2012
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how the local hospital network arrangements translate through our financial statements. It is a very important line item. There is $429 million allocated to that, and this money will ensure that our hospitals keep functioning. Without this support, these essential services would not be able to function. Of course, that would have catastrophic consequences on the ACT community. I look forward to all members’ support for this very important line item.
Standing and temporary orders—suspension
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development) (5.28): I move:
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the Assembly proceeding to a vote on the question—That Part 1.5—ACT Local Hospital Network—be agreed to.
This is an important line item for the budget. The development of the ACT local hospital network is a matter where the government believes members should place on the record their views as to whether or not they support the implementation of such a measure. This is the opportunity to do that. That is why I am seeking that standing orders be suspended to allow a call of the Assembly to occur.
MS BRESNAN (Brindabella) (5.29): The Greens will agree with this. I think the local hospital network is something that all parties have supported and agreed on in previous votes in here when we have talked about establishing the local hospital network. I think it is good to demonstrate to the commonwealth government and groups that are involved with the network that we support this and that we support the regional cooperation that comes through the national hospital network.
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (5.29): I indicate that the Canberra Liberals will be supporting this motion. I have no concerns with this. We support the construct of the local hospital network. I notice that there is legislation that needs to be passed with regard to the establishment of the structure. We understand that it is necessary in terms of securing the federal funding that is required and, as such, we will be supporting the local hospital network.
I am not quite sure what the games are that are being played by those opposite. We have seen a bit of negativity from the Chief Minister. We are seeing games being played now by the leader of government business. We will support this. We will certainly support the local hospital network. What we are seeing again from the health minister is negativity, personal smear and attack, and there is some sort of game playing going on. If that is what they want to do down here, that is fine. We will support the motion.
Question resolved in the affirmative, with the concurrence of an absolute majority.
Question put:
That the proposed expenditure be agreed to.
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