Page 757 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 February 2010
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MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Hunter.
MS HUNTER: To the Attorney-General: on average, how many complaints are made to the Official Visitor per month and, based on this figure, how many complaints have gone unreported as a result of there not being an Official Visitor in place?
MR CORBELL: I do not have the exact figures of how many complaints are made to the Official Visitor but I am happy to provide information to the member about complaints that have been received by the Official Visitor previously. It is important to stress that the role of the Official Visitor can be formal or relatively informal. Many matters that are raised with official visitors relate to relatively low-level concerns about issues as routine, as perhaps mundane, as quality of food or access to particular recreational facilities. They can be much more significant, including ill treatment or inappropriate treatment and allegations of that sort.
The Official Visitor, at their discretion, decides how they deal with those matters and the Official Visitor, under the legislation, is able to raise those matters with the management of the prison. Equally, the Official Visitor can, at his or her discretion, make reports to me on any matters that they feel need further action.
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, a supplementary question?
MRS DUNNE: Minister, can you confirm that disallowable instrument 2010 No 17 appointed Mr Boland as the Official Visitor on 15 February, and can you further confirm that this matter was signed off by the appropriate standing committee?
MR CORBELL: I knew the process was well underway. I do not profess to be a walking encyclopaedia. I will, of course, check that Mrs Dunne is citing the appropriate document. I do not have the privilege of having a laptop in front of me like Mrs Dunne has. But, Mr Speaker, I will confirm the details.
Health system—Canberra Hospital
MR HANSON: My question is to the Minister for Health and relates to the 10-year war in the health system. Minister, the An own initiative investigation into the obstetric service at the Canberra Hospital report by the commissioner under the Community and Health Services Complaints Act 1993, dated October 2005, notes in a section headed “Complaint”:
the resignation of seven registrars, who were unable to cope with the atmosphere, personalities or standards within the Obstetrics Unit.
Minister, was this addressed in the review?
MS GALLAGHER: The recommendations that related to ACT Health in terms of response that was needed to be provided have all been implemented and to everybody’s satisfaction, as I understand.
Mr Smyth: So it hasn’t fixed it?
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