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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 1 Hansard (14 February) . . Page.. 137 ..
MR STEFANIAK: I might have to check on that, Mr Berry. I certainly know somebody has mentioned something to me in relation to that. In terms of anything in writing, I will certainly have a look at that. I am aware of some problems. I am also aware that the centre and the CIT are trying to sort that through.
I would refer you to our budget in terms of indigenous education, Mr Berry. The Yuruana Centre, of course, was set up while we were in government. The centre recently won some additional funding through adult and community service grants, which was particularly pleasing as well. In terms of initiatives for the indigenous population, if you look at out recent draft budget, Mr Berry, you will see a wide-ranging number of initiatives, including, I might say, at the CIT, $100,000 for scholarships especially targetting indigenous students. There is a fair bit there.
Mr Berry, I am happy to look into that matter further. I don't know that you can expect this government to pick up every single program the federal government drops.
I am also, off the top of my head, uncertain whether representations in relation to that are likely to be successful. However, Mr Berry, I am certainly happy to look into that matter further. I do point out those facts, including the very successful bid by the Yuruana Centre only recently to get some extra monies in relation to adult and community education.
Mr Moore: I ask that further questions be put on the notice paper.
Nurses-Canberra Hospital
MR MOORE: Mr Speaker, I would like to elaborate on an answer I gave to a question from Mr Stanhope, who quoted from the Canberra Times. I present the following paper:
Nursing staff-Wages offer-Facsimile copy of minute from the Chief Executive, The Canberra Hospital to all nursing staff, dated 14 February 2001.
I will quote just a couple of pieces. The circular reads:
I am writing to you to address a number of questions that I believe have arisen in relation to the Government's offer to Strengthen the Nursing Workforce.
Will the pay rise be funded by cuts to the hospital's budget?
That was the fundamental question that Mr Stanhope asked. Mr Rayment says clearly:
No. The offer is additional to our normal budget and there are no funding cuts or offsets required other than the reforms included in the variation. Staff need to know that the offer is at risk if we do not access the funding now. TCH is not in a position to fund such a pay increase at a later date.
Is the pay rise just a catch up to bring us into line with rates of pay for nursing staff in the States?
No.
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