Page 826 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 2018

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MS BERRY: I thought I would check so I could just check on the question again as well. Those properties can be used for residential or other purposes.

MR COE: Minister, are you confident that the Suburban Land Agency does not have any of the potential corruption that the Land Development Agency had?

MS BERRY: Yes, I am very confident that the Suburban Land Agency will do the work that the government has asked it to do and will meet the requirements under my statement of expectations laid out very clearly and publicly available on the website for those opposite. I have every confidence in the Chair of the Suburban Land Agency, John Fitzgerald, and I have every confidence in the Chief Executive Officer, John Dietz, that they will ensure that the Suburban Land Agency meets the statement of expectations.

Women—health services

MS CHEYNE: My question is to the Minster for Health and Wellbeing. Can you please outline what initiatives the ACT government is currently undertaking that focus on women’s health?

MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Ms Cheyne very much for the question and the opportunity to speak about the important matter of women’s health services. The ACT government is delivering health services right across our community that meet its needs and also specifically the needs of Canberra women. The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children is a highly esteemed, modern hospital that provides health services for women, including specialist gynaecological, pregnancy and post-natal care. It is led by Ms Elizabeth Chatham, whom Ms Berry mentioned in her previous answer as being the recipient of an ACT women’s award this year.

For 30 years the ACT has also provided the free women’s health service to support vulnerable women in particular, including women who have significant difficulty accessing health services due to the impact of violence, abuse, homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, disability, sexual identity or financial hardship. It also provides health services to women who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. It provides a safe and accessible service that supports physical, psychological and emotional health and wellbeing for women of all ages.

I am also pleased to say that the ACT continues to be a leader in regulating pregnancy termination as it is regulated as a health matter and not under criminal law. The ACT government also provides free screening services, including breast screening services for women from the age of 40, which women are clearly appreciating as shown by our higher than national rates of screening. We look forward to continuing to improve and expand on women’s health services in the ACT.

MS CHEYNE: Minister, what are the ACT government’s plans to improve women’s health in the ACT over coming years?


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