Page 3153 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 20 August 2019
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This will have a very positive impact on the industry. It will hold dodgy certifiers to account by clearly outlining what we expect. It gives the regulator an even more precise tool to remove from the industry those certifiers who are doing the wrong thing.
It will work in tandem with the builders code of practice that we are currently finalising, to ensure that all parties are aware of their duties and what we require of them. It links to the minimum documentation requirements that we have introduced, ensuring that certifiers are checking that the technical details are adequately canvassed in the documentation regarding buildings.
This is nation-leading reform. Other jurisdictions have asked to come to speak with our directorates on this to see how it can be replicated in their jurisdictions. It meets the recommendation of the Shergold Weir report regarding certifiers codes of conduct.
This code of practice is enforceable, it is prescriptive and it will be an important tool for holding those in the building industry to account. It is an important step forward in lifting the quality of buildings in this city by ensuring that only those of the highest integrity are permitted to work in this industry.
Canberra Hospital—emergency department bypass
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, on 16 August this year, the president of the AMA, Dr Di Dio, told the media:
… when Canberra Hospital is on ambulance bypass, regardless of the time of year, we’re justified in asking – what’s going on and why aren’t we able to cope.
The Canberra Hospital has been on bypass three times—so we have been told—this year: on 20 May, 1 July and 14 August. Minister, on 20 May, 1 July and 14 August, what was going on at the Canberra Hospital that warranted a decision to put the hospital onto ambulance bypass?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mrs Dunne for the question. It is an important question in relation to why a hospital would go on bypass occasionally. I will take the question on notice in relation to whether there was any obvious reason for a surge in demand or other reasons in relation to 20 May or the 1 July. I already stated last week in the chamber that there was no obvious cause for the surge in admissions last week other than seasonal fluctuations. Following further conversations with Canberra Health Services last week, it appears that some delays in discharge from previous days may also have contributed to the capacity issues at the Canberra Hospital.
I emphasise that it is not uncommon for health systems across the nation to face periods of increased demand. This is why Canberra Health Services has clear processes in place to ensure the best possible ongoing care for all consumers in those circumstances. On occasion that will involve an ambulance bypass. As I have previously stated, only stable patients who meet clinically appropriate criteria are diverted. Paediatric patients, those with life-threatening emergencies and trauma patients are always taken directly to Canberra Hospital.
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