Page 2568 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 11 August 2015
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can have the courage of their convictions and say, “This is our argument. This is our vision. Make your choice.” The problem they have is that they are scared; they do not want to do it. Why is that? Because it does not stack up.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.
Sitting suspended from 12.33 to 2.30 pm.
Questions without notice
Canberra Hospital—alleged bullying
MR HANSON: My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, on Tuesday it was reported that the ACT government blocked the release of a damning report that resulted in urology training accreditation being withdrawn from the Canberra Hospital. The Australian College of Surgeons said that there was an environment of discrimination, bullying and harassment. Minister, what are the problems at the Canberra Hospital urology department?
MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Hanson for his question. I think those problems have been well outlined previously. The issues relate to poor personal relationships at a professional level between the VMOs in the urology unit, and those have led to a decision on the part of the college not to accredit them for the purposes of training of trainee doctors. That is a disappointing outcome for me as Minister for Health, and I am working closely with my directorate to take all possible steps to address the circumstances in the unit, to make sure the unit is able to seek accreditation again for training for specialists as soon as possible and to do everything possible to address the issues that have arisen in that unit.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, when will the urology department be accredited?
MR CORBELL: It is not possible to provide a firm time frame for that, but it is my commitment, and I know the commitment of my director-general and of hospital management overall, that that be achieved as soon as can be achieved.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, will you release the urology department report?
MR CORBELL: The decision on release has been made by the authorised decision-maker under the Freedom of Information Act, and I have nothing to add to that decision.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, how can that public have confidence that issues are being resolved when your directorate has a record of burying reports and falsifying data?
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