Page 880 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 April 2014
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important part of urban development indeed. Among the projects which have been undertaken in regard to health care in the north of Canberra, we can see the recent development of a national health cooperative and the health wellbeing centre. The sixth such centre was recently opened in Chisholm.
In my electorate of Brindabella we have recently seen the opening of the refurbished Tuggeranong community health centre. The national health co-op has been developing a health cooperative and health and wellbeing centre on Canberra’s northern fringe since 2004. And the energy for this cooperative came from the community following persistent concerns raised by residents about the lack of affordable GPs and health services. Using a membership-based bulk-billing system, the co-op is available to offer bulk-bill appointments to its members. The health co-op has been a huge success in the ACT, bringing health services to those who need it in most of our community, with Chisholm being its sixth centre, as I said. And it will not be the last, I am sure.
During the opening I attended with Minister Burch and members of the Bendigo Bank, I had the opportunity to walk around the new purpose-designed area and was delighted with what I found: several consult rooms, test rooms and a large community meeting area. I am proud to be part of a government that gave $200,000 for the construction of the building.
The definite highlight of my tour of the fantastic facility was talking to the enrolled nurse in the program at this location, Ms Vicky Jackson. Vicky was an utter gem who was more than giving of her time at the event. I have rarely met someone so happy to be at work and so excited to show her working surrounds. She told us how she had decided to give up working in the health area but came back to the health co-op to give it a go after leaving the sector a few years ago. And I think it is one of the many things that help the co-op thrive.
Mr Smyth: On a point of order, Madam Assistant Speaker, on the question of relevance, I am not sure which motion Mr Gentleman is speaking to, but mine is on the establishment of a bulk-billing clinic in Conder. I would ask you to draw his attention to that matter. If he has not got anything to say, perhaps he should sit down.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Smyth, you have made your point. Mr Gentleman, are you addressing the motion?
MR GENTLEMAN: On the point of order, Madam Assistant Speaker, I am addressing directly the comments made by Mr Smyth and Mr Hanson during their commentary and part of Mr Smyth’s motion on the notice paper today. But I want to continue and talk about health in the Tuggeranong area, which I think is a very important topic.
I go back to Ms Vicky Jackson. She told us how previously she decided to give up working. She is extremely experienced, and the friendly staff at the co-op were giving a fantastic—
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