Page 3092 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 22 August 2017

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video


... it has prompted considerable change, including to policy, processes, the administration of Domestic Animal Services, and, notably ... significant legislative change in this place last year.

Treasurer, do Ms Fitzharris’s comments confirm that the events surrounding the attack on Jack Hartigan have resulted in changes to “policy”, “processes”, “administration” and “legislative change”?

MR BARR: I would not read too much into that.

MR COE: Treasurer, do Ms Fitzharris’s comments therefore mean that the third point—that is, that the matter is not covered by legislation but that it is intended to introduce such legislation—meets the requirements for a payment of the ex gratia variety as per point three?

MR BARR: I think the line of questioning might be overreaching.

MR PARTON: Treasurer, will you now review your position not to pay an act of grace payment to Jack Hartigan?

MR BARR: No.

Canberra Hospital—bed availability

MRS DUNNE: My question is to the minister for health. I refer to a quote by the clinical director of the emergency department at the Canberra Hospital in the Canberra Times of 18 August 2017. He said:

In July … there were 23 occurrences of patients locations being recorded as in the corridor … The usual cause of patients being on trolleys in the corridor is when we’re having trouble accessing in-patient beds for emergency department patients that require admission.

Minister, why is the emergency department having trouble accessing inpatient beds at the Canberra Hospital for people who need them?

MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mrs Dunne for her question. As we discussed in this place, and over the course of the weekend, ACT Health began a community campaign reminding people of the very many options they have in our community to seek health care during working hours, after hours and on the weekend from a variety of different healthcare providers. It is certainly the case that every winter we do see additional pressure—

Mrs Dunne: Point of order on relevance.

MADAM SPEAKER: Please resume your seat. Mrs Dunne.


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video