Page 3690 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 18 September 2018
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MRS DUNNE: Minister, if this inquiry is not a matter of public concern that should have protection, what is it?
MS FITZHARRIS: It is an independent review into the workplace culture in the delivery of public healthcare services in the ACT.
ACT Health—workplace culture
MR WALL: My question is to the minister for health and relates to the proposed inquiry into the ACT health system. Minister, in an inquiry conducted under the Inquiries Act, there are strict rules about the misuse and disclosure of information obtained as part of that inquiry. Breaching these rules incurs serious penalties, including jail sentences. Minister, will your proposed inquiry have the same protections against misuse and disclosure of information, and under what legal instrument will that protection be provided?
MS FITZHARRIS: I note that it is not a review, and I do not believe that the opposition has called for a review into the health system. Certainly, as I have indicated previously, I look forward to updating the community and the chamber on the terms of reference for this independent review.
MR WALL: Minister, what penalties for disclosure or misuse of information will be included in your inquiry, and will they include custodial sentences?
MS FITZHARRIS: I refer Mr Wall to my previous answer.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, how will witnesses be protected when providing sensitive information if there are not rules against misuse and disclosure similar to those in the Inquiries Act?
MS FITZHARRIS: I refer Mrs Dunne to my previous answer.
ACT Health—workplace culture
MR HANSON: My question is to the minister for health and relates to the proposed inquiry into the ACT health system. Minister, under the Inquiries Act, the board has the power to:
… require the person to appear before the board at a hearing, at a stated time and place, to do either or both of the following:
(a) to give evidence;
(b) to produce a stated document or other thing relevant to the hearing.
The board may also require a witness appearing to give evidence under oath.
Minister, will your proposed inquiry have the power to compel witnesses to appear or produce documents?
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