Page 2787 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 13 September 1994
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MR DE DOMENICO: I have a supplementary question, Mr Acting Speaker. Chief Minister, what are you actually doing, or what have you done, in relation to the fact that it seems that ACT public servants are more stressed out than their Federal and interstate colleagues? From what areas are we getting more claims? Have we done any studies? Do we hold any statistics on that?
MS FOLLETT: I say again, Mr Acting Speaker, that, as to the statistics, the information I have is from the Comcare report which I have made available to the members of the Estimates Committee.
Mr De Domenico: Does the ACT administration have any statistics?
MS FOLLETT: That is all I can tell you about where the statistics came from; they came from there. In relation to exactly what is being done to address the problem, I am happy to get out a longer and more detailed report and to present it to members as soon as I can.
Overdue Accounts - Interest Rates
MR STEVENSON: My question is to Mr Lamont. It concerns interest rates on overdue accounts. I have been informed that the interest rate on overdue ACTEW accounts, to people owing money to ACTEW, is 17 per cent. Looking at the fact that the Bankcard rate, I believe, is currently 14 per cent and is known to be on the very high end of interest rates, is that fair, in the Minister's mind? The second part of the question is this: What interest rates are paid by the Government when they have overdue accounts to businesses within the ACT?
MR LAMONT: I thank Mr Stevenson for his question. In order to provide a comprehensive response to both of those issues, as I will, I undertake to take that question on notice, Mr Stevenson, and to provide you with the answer before we rise this afternoon.
Health Services
MR KAINE: Mr Acting Speaker, I have a question for the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, with the next election now imminent, you have found it desirable to carry out inquiries into rates and into planning. In fact, there are several inquiries going on into planning. When do you intend to announce the start date of an inquiry into the other obvious case of Follett Labor mismanagement, the delivery of health services?
MS FOLLETT: This is a silly question, Mr Acting Speaker. First of all, I will take on board the issue that Mr Kaine has raised. Indeed, Mr Humphries put out a press release about the number of inquiries that are currently being undertaken. I totally reject this criticism. I believe that it is incumbent upon any government, first of all, to consult with people who are affected by decisions, and, secondly, to review what you are doing from time to time to make sure that it is an appropriate response to the community's need. The inquiries that are being undertaken are all necessary and are being undertaken in, I believe, the right sort of timeframe.
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