Page 4732 - Week 16 - Wednesday, 28 November 1990
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MR SPEAKER: Mr Berry, I think it is relevant.
MR HUMPHRIES: Obviously Mr Berry is sensitive about this matter because he might have to work with these people again one day. The fact is that there is no question in my mind but that those officers have acted responsibly at all times. I would rather act on the assumption that they have done so than that Mr Berry has done so in asking this question or raising this matter.
Board of Health
MRS NOLAN: My question is also to Mr Humphries in his capacity as Minister for Health. Mr Humphries, you announced the membership of the new ACT Board of Health, but what is the Government doing to ensure that this board is supported by appropriate legislation?
MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Mrs Nolan for the question, because the matter of legislation to underpin the Board of Health is a very important one. Members will be aware that the Government has recently announced the composition of the ACT Board of Health, which is an authority which enhances and builds upon the successful structure of the previous interim hospitals board and, in fact, contains some members that were members of both the old body and the new body. Those members, for the information of members, are: chairman, Mr Jim Service; Mr John Bissett; Dr Tony Clarke; Mrs Jennifer McNicol; Professor Bob Douglas; Mr Peter Hohnen; Ms Kate Carnell; Ms Gail Freeman; Mr Ross Walker and Rear Admiral Neil Ralph. There will also be a representative of the Trades and Labour Council on the board, and that body will be asked to nominate a person shortly.
The legislation to underpin that board is very important, and I can assure Mrs Nolan and the house that the Government intends to proceed quickly to put the legislation in place. In fact, I expect to be able to introduce the appropriate Bills tomorrow.
Royal Canberra Hospital
MR WOOD: I direct a further question to the Minister for Health. Does the Minister agree that this approach by two of his public servants to a radio station appears to be a breach of the guidelines on the official conduct of public servants, because they entered into a party political issue in an official capacity? Minister, were you or any members of your staff aware of this action in advance, and did you authorise or condone it?
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