Page 3362 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 21 October 2014
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will want to make sure that everything that could be done by the employer is being done, and that is why their involvement in operationalising these plans is so important.
In closing, I would acknowledge and send our heartfelt concern and support to those countries that are dealing with this epidemic. It is heartbreaking to see it on the news and to understand the access to services and treatment and care that would be provided here but that are not able to be provided in these countries. I think it again reminds us of what a good city we live in and that we are prepared for this should the very low risk of a person presenting with this horrible disease in Canberra. I believe we are well prepared but we are not sitting down and pretending that we cannot do more, and that is why this leadership group that met today will meet again and continue to refine and make sure our processes are as good as they can be. I am very happy to update the Assembly and, indeed, offer any member of the Assembly a further briefing should that be of interest.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, with the Canberra Hospital currently operating at close to 100 per cent capacity, what is the additional risk to managing any number of cases of ebola on site, or are there plans for another location?
MS GALLAGHER: Canberra Hospital would be the location for a person either suspected of having a case of ebola or being treated for ebola. That is where the level of care that is required will be able to be provided. I should say that hospital occupancy fluctuates day by day, as I have said a number of times in this house. So it is not normal for the hospital to be at 100 per cent. In fact it is a very rare occasion when it is, and if it is, it is only usually for a very short period of time. There is a location that has been identified as the appropriate place within the wards for the treatment and care of a person either suspected of having or being treated for ebola. I am very satisfied that should this situation occur, that person’s admission would be facilitated very smoothly and very quickly.
Transport—light rail
MR COE: My question is for the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, are you committed to your promise to develop light rail in Canberra?
MS GALLAGHER: Yes.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Chief Minister, why then were you reluctant to fully commit to light rail on radio this morning?
MS GALLAGHER: I was not, but the final decision for finalising an agreement to proceed with light rail should properly rest until the bids are in. And that was the point I was making. I think we have been very clear from the word go about the process that is to be undertaken. It is a very professional process, it is a very transparent process, it
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