Page 2794 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 16 August 2017
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The purpose of the incoming Minister’s briefs was to provide the new Minister with an update on key priorities, issues and projects as at the time of the briefing.
Minister, why was the electrical switchboard replacement not considered to be a key priority, issue or project?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mr Milligan for the question and note, again referring to my answer in estimates and also to the purpose of an incoming government brief, that it is of course prepared by a directorate to advise the minister. It is not up to the minister to answer, as a new incoming minister, what the department determines to be in that brief. Its very purpose is to provide a platform for discussion with an incoming minister.
However, I did advise that part of that incoming government brief, from my recollection, one element of the incoming government brief, was to focus on the implementation of significant budget initiatives. And for the umpteenth time, Madam Acting Speaker—
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MS FITZHARRIS: the 2016-17 budget—
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MS FITZHARRIS: contained nearly $100 million—
Mrs Jones interjecting—
MS FITZHARRIS: to upgrade a range of assets and infrastructure at the Canberra Hospital. The government acted on this in last year’s budget.
Mrs Jones interjecting—
Mr Rattenbury: Point of order, Madam Acting Speaker.
MADAM ACTING SPEAKER: Yes.
MR RATTENBURY: I note that the previous question was about bullying and yet Mrs Jones continues to interject and make it very difficult for me to hear the minister for health.
Mrs Jones: On the point of order—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mrs Jones, please sit down. I will not take the point of order. Also, Mrs Jones, I would point out to you that when a member is speaking it is not appropriate to stand and speak over them. Supplementary question, Mr Milligan.
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