Page 819 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 1990
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and I want to put on record the value that that cooperation has had for the smooth delivery of health services - in some cases the restoration of health services - in the ACT.
Particularly important was his role in resolving the dispute concerning ophthalmologists in the ACT. That dispute is not quite settled as yet, but I am confident of being able to announce its resolution in the next few days. Certainly, I expect his effort to have been very important in establishing the conclusion of that dispute.
He has also been active in discussing with members of the medical profession the coordination of accrued days off in our hospitals and the resolving of problems to do with the supply of orthopaedic services in our hospital system. Of course, the AMA has always been a strong supporter, through Dr Donovan in particular, of the Government's tobacco legislation, and I pay tribute to him for that.
He will be succeeded by Dr Graeme Bates and I am confident that Dr Bates will be able to follow in the footsteps of Dr Donovan in establishing smooth working relationships. It is a very healthy sign. I wish that all interest groups within the community were able to work as closely with the Government, as the AMA has worked with the Department of Health and me. I hope that is a good sign for the future of health services in the ACT.
Deputy Chief Minister - Behaviour
MR DUBY (Minister for Finance and Urban Services) (7.11): Mr Speaker, I had not intended to participate in this adjournment debate until I heard the comments by the Leader of the Opposition - comments which need to be answered. Today is a very sad and sorry day in the history of this Assembly because it indicates the sort of work that Opposition members will do for the rest of the life of this Assembly. Today, clearly, they were not the slightest bit interested in doing anything constructive - - -
Mr Moore: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to standing order 55 which says:
All imputations of improper motives and all personal reflections on members shall be considered highly disorderly.
MR DUBY: Mr Speaker, it is not in any way an imputation; it is a bald statement of fact.
MR SPEAKER: Order! I reject the point of order; it is inaccurate and not applicable. Please proceed, Mr Duby.
MR DUBY: It certainly was inaccurate because it was not in any way an imputation. It was a bald statement of fact. The standard of debate that we have heard today from these people - - -
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