Page 943 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
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Let us not forget the Tony Abbott-Joe Hockey budget that proudly proclaimed billions, tens of billions, of dollars in savings by cutting funding from public health services across the nation. Let us not forget that in a few months Australians will have the chance to vote in a federal election where there will be a very clear choice between the two major parties on the commonwealth’s responsibility to fund health services in this nation—particularly the commonwealth share of public hospital funding.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MR BARR: There is a clear point of difference between the two political parties. Long may those opposite interject and support their federal colleagues’ position, because they are only proposing to fund 45 per cent of public hospital costs into the future, whereas there is a clear alternative position from our federal colleagues to increase the commonwealth share of funding to 50 per cent over time. That increase and that commitment have been made publicly and stand in marked contrast.
Opposition members interjecting—
MR BARR: Those opposite interject because they are very sensitive on this point. They know that their party’s credibility on public health funding is in tatters as a result of the decisions of their party in government. Let me be very clear that not only has the ACT government stepped up at this time of funding cuts from the federal Liberal government; we have continued to invest in growing our health system, a system that supports Canberrans every single day.
Minister Fitzharris has my support, and she has the support of all of her colleagues, to continue this important program of investment in the ACT’s public health system. She has our support to address the cultural practices, to improve the cultural practices, within the organisation whilst also delivering expanded and improved services for all Canberrans.
Minister Fitzharris has health on a reform path through her openness and her determination. This path is supported by the hardworking staff across the ACT Health system, hardworking staff who help thousands of patients to get the care that they need every single day. We reject this no confidence motion and declare our support for Minister Fitzharris.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (11.30): The Greens will not be supporting this motion today. It is an extremely serious matter to declare a lack of confidence in a minister, and we do not believe that that action is warranted. While, of course, there are areas of the ACT’s health system that need improvement, Minister Fitzharris is working extremely hard to drive the changes that are needed. Both Minister Fitzharris and I are committed to working with staff and the community to enact real change in our health system so that we can deliver the best environment for staff and patients.
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