Page 405 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 June 1989
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But in relation to treatment for cancer patients in the ACT, I would report that cancer patients in the ACT are able to commence their treatment within two weeks of diagnosis. I am advised that the waiting time is considered to be reasonable and is less than in other States. The projected 44 per cent increase in cancer patients has been reported to me, and I am aware that the Community and Health Service has anticipated that projected increase and has commenced plans to ensure that its services match the projected increase.
The service is in the first year of a five-year equipment replacement program and has sought an additional $1.5m from the Commonwealth hospital enhancement program. I can assure you that I will be pressing my colleague Dr Blewett to make additional funding available in order to reduce the period of our equipment replacement program by two years. But in relation to the revelation of cancer sufferers being treated in some way outside premises, I would appreciate some further advice on that, and I would be happy to talk to you further about the matter.
MR MOORE: I ask a supplementary question. Are you aware then, considering that you are speaking of millions of dollars being put together by the Community and Health Service, that the ACT Cancer Society receives $25,000 a year from the ACT Administration and, with that contribution by our Government, runs four staff and many others performing a fantastic service. Would you consider increasing that contribution and improving the premises?
MR BERRY: Yes.
ACT Agents Board
MRS NOLAN: My question is to the Chief Minister, and the question relates to the membership of the ACT Agents Board. Has the ACT Law Society recently been asked to nominate a member to the board? Did the Law Society renominate a person who has served on the board for several years and thereby built up considerable knowledge and understanding of the operations of the board? Is it the case that the nomination has not been accepted because the nominee is a man and the Chief Minister has expressed the view that a woman should be nominated by the society? Where does this leave other organisations entitled to nominate people to boards and statutory authorities? Will their nominees also be rejected if they do not meet the Chief Minister's gender requirements? Is this an indication of how future nominations to boards are going to be dealt with?
MR SPEAKER: I would like to comment again here that Ministers' answers will be brief, but I would ask members to ask reasonable questions. I do not know whether more than half of the question was understood by the Chief Minister.
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