Page 1582 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 8 May 2018

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must be used. It is essential that we invest in health services in our territory, but it is essential that we make the best of the capacity that already exists. This underpins why I have led a significant negotiation with Calvary to make sure that we can effectively use the capacity we have in our public hospital system. I believe that that is what the Canberra community expect. It is the best way to spend public money. I am sure that staff at both facilities work diligently every day and make decisions in the best interests of their patients.

Canberra Hospital—accreditation

MR HANSON: My question is to the minister for police. No, it is not.

Members interjecting—

MR HANSON: My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. In preparation for the recent accreditation process at the Canberra Hospital, was any equipment removed from active use during the lead-up to the accreditation? If so, why?

MS FITZHARRIS: It is nice to see Mr Hanson make us laugh at least once during a question time. I thought for a minute I might avoid the full trifecta—I don’t know what you call it; whatever you call it—having every question from the opposition—

Mr Barr: A full hand.

MS FITZHARRIS: A full hand. I think I have achieved it.

Mr Barr: I think you have.

MS FITZHARRIS: Thank you very much. I believe it was the case—as was reported—that equipment was removed during the week of accreditation. It is my understanding from the advice to me that, on a regular basis—every day and every week—equipment is maintained, upgraded and taken away to be cleaned. There was no additional removal or cleaning of equipment specifically for accreditation. It was previously scheduled that equipment and furniture on a particular ward in the hospital be removed for cleaning during the full week of the accreditation process in late March.

MR HANSON: Minister, has that equipment that was removed now been replaced?

MS FITZHARRIS: It is my understanding that it has been returned and not replaced.

MRS DUNNE: Minister, are the reports true that equipment was returned broken?

MS FITZHARRIS: That is not the advice I have received, no.

Arts—funding

MS ORR: My question is to the Minister for the Arts and Community Events. Can the minister provide further information about how the new arts funding arrangements he announced earlier today will better serve our growing arts sector?


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