Page 971 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
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dollars that will be only a short-term solution to a long-term problem. We have seen hardworking staff stretched to breaking point. We have seen patients not getting the kind of service they should, some, for example, waiting for years to get an initial appointment with a specialist. You have said that the independent review into institutional culture report was difficult reading. As recently as this morning you said that the health portfolio is complex and that it is not easy. Minister, has the time come for you to take a break from responsibility in the health portfolio?
MS FITZHARRIS: No.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, in light of your answer, what are you going to do to restore the confidence of staff in your leadership?
MS FITZHARRIS: I reject that. I note the opposition’s view on my capability. I refer Mrs Dunne to my extensive previous answers on these matters and to my extensive response to her failed motion this morning.
MR COE: Minister, what are you doing to restore the confidence of the Canberra community in your ability to provide for the needs of Canberra’s healthcare?
MS FITZHARRIS: I believe that I was elected in 2016 to represent the seat of Yerrabi, and I was also appointed health minister over that time. The government has made significant investments in health, is future-proofing our city and planning for major infrastructure investments not only in a few years time but right now.
Last year we opened a new hospital, Canberra’s first purpose-built subacute rehabilitation hospital. We opened the Gungahlin walk-in centre. I just recently visited the upgraded, new ward at Calvary hospital and last year I visited the upgraded theatre suites at Calvary hospital that the ACT government funded. I was at Calvary recently celebrating their 40th anniversary and was discussing with Calvary the expansion of their emergency department, which the ACT government funded in last year’s budget.
Last year, as I outlined this morning, we made major investments in additional elective and emergency surgery, major investments to expand the hospital in the home program and major investments to increase the bed capacity at Canberra Hospital. We will continue to make these investments so that the Canberra community can have confidence in our health system. They do have confidence in our health system. And it was not so long ago that the community’s confidence was put to test, and their views were resounding.
Roads—resurfacing techniques
MS CODY: My question is to the Minister for Roads. What new types of road surfaces is the ACT government trialling?
MR STEEL: I thank Ms Cody for her question. I am very pleased to update the Assembly on our road resurfacing program and the new, innovative methods we are trialling in the ACT, continuing our responsible approach to waste management.
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