Page 6020 - Week 18 - Thursday, 12 December 1991
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But I think that what we have to be very careful of when we talk about this matter is that we do not put up an argument against the use of condoms and start a fear campaign that condoms will fail, on some silly notion that comes out of some redneck American magazine from somebody connected with some of the weird organisations like those which Mr Stevenson has been recently connected with. Condoms are very definitely the best option for the prevention of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, outside of abstinence. Abstinence does not work. Condoms have been proven to prevent the transmission of disease, and Mr Stevenson should promote their use.
MR STEVENSON: I ask a supplementary question. Is Mr Berry referring to Choice magazine as "some redneck American magazine" and, if so, is it a good idea that the AIDS Action Council at Braddon get their information from that area? Basically, the whole point I made was - - -
MR SPEAKER: Order! There can be no debate on a supplementary question. Thank you, Mr Stevenson; we have the point.
MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, I am not going to respond any more on this issue, because it is quite clear to me that what Mr Stevenson is attempting to do is to start a scare campaign about the failure rate of condoms. It is a stupid notion. He will do anything at all to get his name in the headlines. For him to get involved in this sort of activity is absolutely outrageous, and it demonstrates how unfit he is to be in this place. This is the most outrageous thing that has happened in the three years that I have been in this Assembly. For him to attack what is well known as a life saving device and one which, if used properly, will protect the community's health in the long term and for him to take a stand which would generate fear about the use of condoms, I think, is outrageous, and he ought to desist.
Health Budget
MR HUMPHRIES: Can the Minister for Health advise when he expects to receive the monthly health budget report for the month of November, and what arrangements he will make to provide members of the Assembly with that information in accordance with his undertakings, particularly if the Assembly is not sitting at the time?
MR BERRY: Mr Speaker, my guess is that I will receive the figures around about the middle of the month. If it is five or six days the other side of that - it will not be this side of it - I will not be that perturbed. Members will be provided with the figures in the same way as they have been before.
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