Page 499 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 8 March 2011
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MR SPEAKER: Mr Seselja, a supplementary question?
MR SESELJA: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, what impact does this failure have on the reliability of data on prisoners entering the AMC with drug problems?
MR CORBELL: It is quite clear that it does not assist Corrective Services in understanding the drug use of prisoners when they arrive for admission to the AMC. It is a fundamental breakdown in the administration of a longstanding and very clear procedure that the government was at all times advised Corrective Services were fully implementing. The fact that they have failed to do so is a matter that I am on the public record about, in relation to what I believe was an intolerable breakdown in governance and procedure, and that is why the matter is being investigated independently, with a report to be provided to me early next month.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Mr Seselja.
MR SESELJA: Minister, what confidence can the community have in your capacity to run a needle exchange program at the prison, given the failure to implement appropriate processes for drug testing?
MR CORBELL: It is a hypothetical question. The government has made no decision in relation to that matter.
ACT Ambulance Service—alleged bullying
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Minister, in the Canberra Times of 5 March 2011 there was a report about an investigation into allegations of bullying in the ACT Ambulance Service. Minister, what are the circumstances that resulted in the independent investigator withdrawing from this investigation?
MR CORBELL: I am advised that the independent investigator has withdrawn from his role at his own instigation as he has advised he believes there may be the perception of a conflict of interest which could jeopardise the authority of his investigation. I understand he has voluntarily withdrawn his services and a new investigator will be appointed.
MRS DUNNE: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mrs Dunne.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, who or what organisation has been appointed to continue this investigation and will the information previously gathered be passed on to that investigator?
MR CORBELL: I am not familiar with what steps have been taken by the ESA in the brief period of time since the previous investigator has indicated he is unable to continue. I am happy to take the question on notice and provide further information to the member.
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