Page 2491 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 23 August 1994
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It took at best about 15 minutes to ferret out the file from patient records in the bowels of the building and get it to emergency. Now, I am told by the director of emergency services and the director of patient records, it takes three seconds. Your name and identifying data are punched in. Straight up comes the patient records from the last time you were in hospital. This means that the treating doctor can immediately make informed decisions about medications and avoid the risk of giving improper medications. It is a very significant advance in health care. It is the best in Australia, Madam Speaker, as a result of the far-sighted decisions of this Labor Government. Again, Madam Speaker, this Labor Government is investing for the long term to develop the best public health system in Australia.
Tobacco Franchise Fee Revenue
MR STEFANIAK: Madam Speaker, my question is to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer explain why revenue from the tobacco franchise fee increased by 20 per cent more than expected in the last financial year? Does she agree that this is an indication that, sadly, more Canberrans, particularly young people, are smoking?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Stefaniak for the question, Madam Speaker. I will get him a detailed answer as quickly as I can, but I believe that the reason for the increase is to do with a timing matter in the payment of that tax. In other words, there was a large amount counted in one financial year that might, in other years, have been counted in the previous one. Madam Speaker, as I say, I will get a detailed explanation on that for the member. I do agree that it would be extremely regrettable if that were a sign of an increasing usage of tobacco in our community. It is something, as members will know, that members of this Government have tried very hard to discourage, especially through our smoking in public places legislation. We have not had the support of Mr Stefaniak's colleagues. I hope that his question indicates a change of heart.
MR STEFANIAK: I have a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. Will the Treasurer give an undertaking that this windfall of approximately $5.3m will go towards funding new anti-smoking campaigns, with particular emphasis upon Canberra's teenagers? Specifically, will she now boost the rather pathetic funding allocated to the Health Promotion Fund, which now accounts for less than 3 per cent of tobacco taxes collected?
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, this matter is dealt with in the Estimates Committee report which Ms Szuty will be tabling shortly and which I will be responding to; but the short answer is no, I will not. I do not consider that the hypothecation of a tax in that way is the best way to provide all of the services that are required in our community. In particular regard to the Health Promotion Fund, they have a process and programs are under way. They are being funded, Madam Speaker. If there were a requirement for additional programs and additional funds they would have to make that case. I do not believe that the straight-out hypothecation of the tax in the way that Mr Stefaniak has outlined is the best way to handle both the Territory's revenue and all of the needs across the whole of the community which have to be funded from that revenue.
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