Page 3316 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 20 August 2008

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MR SMYTH: Again, the same promise was made in 2004. I am shocked, Chief Minister—the same promise in 2004:

The Stanhope government … is establishing after hours GP clinics at both of our Emergency Departments.

So a whole term was wasted; they did not do a thing. The promise continues:

This means that non serious cases can be seen by GPs after hours, rather than waiting long times.

But then he extends the promise—it is just great:

Establish after hours GP clinics.

In consultation with local doctors and the Canberra After hours Locum Medical Service—

and Mrs Burke is in consultation with Canberra doctors—

Labor will establish after hours GP clinic’s at Calvary Public, The Canberra Hospital and Erindale.

They were going to put one out in the burbs in Tuggeranong, in Erindale! They were going to have an after-hours GP clinic in Tuggeranong. What were they promising? An after-hours GP clinic in Tuggeranong. That does not exist, Mr Speaker.

Mr Stanhope: Bulk-billing.

MR SPEAKER: Order!

MR SMYTH: When you take people on trust, their record on the delivery of these health systems is just—

Mr Stanhope: Tell us about bulk-billing.

MR SMYTH: You will have your chance. You will get a chance.

Mr Stanhope: No, you tell us. How are you going to pay?

MR SMYTH: Just wait. Just wait. The minister says you have to have a focus on the public health system. You have got to focus on all of the aspects of health. What we are saying is that, yes, we will look at the hospital—

Mr Stanhope: Well, tell us about the hundred acute care beds.

MR SMYTH: The Chief Minister talks about acute care beds. He will get his chance in a minute, I am sure.

Mr Stanhope: No, tell us about your promise.

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