Page 888 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 22 March 2017

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MS FITZHARRIS: It is properly resourced and we will gather expertise from where we need it, both internally—there is much expertise within ACT Health—and on occasion, when needed, bring in external consultants and experts for a short period of time.

MRS DUNNE: Minister, why is ACT Health placing substantially increasing reliance on external contractors and consultants; and how is this reliance delivering cost efficiency gains for the directorate?

MS FITZHARRIS: I do note that there was an increase over the recent period. One of those significant increases was, I believe, a change in how the dialysis centre was accounted for. That did account for some of the growth in the number of consultants and contractors. That was a technical adjustment, effectively. As members know, ACT Health has a systems innovation program, as I mentioned in my previous response, drawing expertise both from within the directorate and from external experts, to make sure that we maintain the best public health system in Australia.

Women—International Women’s Day

MS CODY: My question is to the Minister for Women. Minister, can you as Minister for Women please advise the Assembly how the ACT acknowledged the achievements and contributions of Canberra women in improving the life of women and girls on International Women’s Day, which was held on 8 March.

MS BERRY: I thank Ms Cody for her question. We worked with the Canberra community to build a place, and we will keep working with the Canberra community to build a place, where gender equality is an achievement rather than a dream. It is a central focus for me and for the government. It is why I have been keen to talk about our achievements and the work we do as an entire community to keep moving forward.

International Women’s Day this year had the theme “Be bold for change”, asking us all as leaders and activists to make change that will improve women’s lives. On 8 March, the ACT government held its annual ACT Women’s Awards ceremony to again celebrate the exceptional contributions and outstanding achievements that women make to our community here in the ACT. I note that Ms Lawder also attended that event. It was a great way to acknowledge these fantastic contributors in our community.

This year the ACT Woman of the Year award went to Marie-Louise Corkhill, who has spent the past 20 years working with Karinya House and the mothers and babies who are supported through that service. The Senior Woman of the Year award was presented to Ms Andrea Hotchkiss, who has been instrumental in establishing and building the ACT Women’s Soccer Association, since 1978. The ACT Young Woman of the Year award went to Francesca Maclean. Francesca has done many things to be proud of, supporting women and girls in science, technology, engineering and maths education and careers.


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