15 June 2004
CLP Censure an embarrasing farce
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The Opposition censure of Minister for Health Dr Peter Toyne has been shown up for what it is, an embarrassing farce.
Two members of the CLP couldn't even be bothered to show up for its own censure motion.
In hindsight they were the smart ones as the censure motion quickly descended into a pathetic put down of the town of Alice Springs and its high quality hospital.
Dr Toyne said unfortunately the good work of the staff is being overshadowed by unsubstantiated allegations at a time when some major progress is being made at the hospital.
“The Government has committed $11 million to transform Alice Springs Hospital 's Intensive Care Unit.” Dr Toyne said.
“That includes hiring 37 new staff, including 25 nurses and a Critical Care team, including an Intensivist (an anaesthetist specialising in intensive care).
“The core of that team will also include a Head of Anaesthetics and a Head of the Emergency Department.”
“While the Department tries to recruit the Intensivist, locums and specialists from Darwin will be used to fill that role.”
“It must be remembered that until six months ago, Alice Springs Hospital did not have an Intensivist.”
“This Government's identified the need and has moved to meet it.”
“For the CLP to complain about a delay in filling a position they never identified, let alone attempted to fill it is beyond mere opportunism, it's blatant hypocrisy.”
The whole sorry episode was summed up perfectly by the Independent Member for Braitling Lorraine Braham in parliament this morning:
“The Opposition should be censured.”