Page 1164 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 10 April 2018
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This approach will bring ACT Health into line with all other Australian jurisdictions, which have structurally separated their clinical services delivery from their departments of health. In many ways this change is a modernisation of our existing system that will continue to have person-centred care at its heart.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Pettersson?
Mrs Dunne: A point of order, Madam Speaker. In accordance with standing order 118(c), I would ask you to rule that, with respect to this question, the answer given was by way of a ministerial statement, and to grant me leave to make a statement, at the conclusion of question time, not exceeding five minutes.
MADAM SPEAKER: I do not believe that it was a ministerial statement. It was a question; it had substance, and the answer was provided.
Mrs Dunne: In relation to the point of order, the standing orders refer to where a member believes that the response to a question was in the form of a ministerial statement. This was about a significant policy change. There were a number of ministerial statements this morning, and the minister did not make a ministerial statement in relation to a significant policy change. I think that it is quite within the realms anticipated by the standing order that leave should be granted to respond to it.
MADAM SPEAKER: It leaves that basically with the Speaker, and I am not providing leave. The minister has at some points over the past week and a bit spoken quite extensively about the restructure.
Mrs Dunne: But not in this chamber. This is the first time it has been mentioned in this chamber.
MADAM SPEAKER: I believe it is right that it has been mentioned as a question. Not every bit of business has to be dealt with for the first time in this chamber. A supplementary?
Mr Coe: What is the point of that standing order, then?
MADAM SPEAKER: I suggest that you look at that in the review of the standing orders, Mr Coe. I have pointed that out before. A supplementary?
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what will be the benefit of these changes for Canberrans?
MS FITZHARRIS: These changes are focused on improving access, timeliness and the quality of health services for all Canberrans and for those whom ACT Health services in our surrounding region. This is all about making Canberrans receive the best possible care and continue to be the healthiest community in the country. This is an essential change for our growing population and expanding health system which, as I mentioned, will soon include three public hospitals.
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