Page 2098 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 25 October 1989

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The following answers to questions were provided:

Nurses
(Question No. 29)

Mr Moore asked the Minister for Community Services and Health, upon notice, on 26 September 1989:

(1) Is the Minister aware that a significant number of unemployed nurses in the ACT are unable to regain their registered status as a result of insufficient funding being made available for refresher courses in hospital services.

(2) Will the Minister ensure that (a) appropriate retraining courses and (b) appropriate numbers of adequately trained nurses are made available to the ACT health system.

Mr Berry: The answer to Mr Moore's question is as follows: I understand that there has been considerable discussion concerning the need for a re-entry/refresher program for nurses in the ACT. The program (for nurses who have not been employed for five years or more) was last conducted in February 1988.

Since September 1988, Royal Canberra and Woden Valley hospitals have received 98 inquiries concerning re-entry/refresher programs. However, the department has minimal nursing vacancies at present and the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Education and Training is reluctant to fund retraining programs unless employment can be guaranteed at the end of the course.

Machinery Tender

Mrs Grassby: Yesterday Mr Stefaniak asked the following question:

What does the Government intend to use a low-loader and dolly for, as appeared in the tenders in the Canberra Times on Saturday, 21 October 1989? The tender number is TB 89046. Similarly, what does the Government intend to use a prime mover for - tender 89035? Why is the ACT Government purchasing such machinery when it is already available and far cheaper if leased from subcontractors?

My answer to the member's question is as follows: the current prime mover, low-loader and dolly owned and operated by my department were purchased in 1974 and are


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