❓ Opposition questions the Premier on mental health funding cuts and bed shortages. Premier defends the cuts, citing budget control, and states the Health Minister is addressing bed shortages.
AnsweredQoN 42Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to his admission today on Radio 6PR that there are pressures on the mental health system, including the number of secure mental health beds. (1) Will the Premier now instruct the Minister for Health to reinstate funding to the preventive community-based mental health programs that the minister axed in September last year or will he simply allow the situation to worsen? (2) Will the Premier now ensure that more mental health beds are open, which his Minister for Health refused to do when warned of this looming problem five months ago? (3) Will the Premier now commit to ensuring that mental health funding comprises at least 10 percent of the next health budget, in keeping with world trends, to address this growing problem? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(1) Will the Premier now instruct the Minister for Health to reinstate funding to the preventive community-based mental health programs that the minister axed in September last year or will he simply allow the situation to worsen? (2) Will the Premier now ensure that more mental health beds are open, which his Minister for Health refused to do when warned of this looming problem five months ago? (3) Will the Premier now commit to ensuring that mental health funding comprises at least 10 percent of the next health budget, in keeping with world trends, to address this growing problem? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(2) Will the Premier now ensure that more mental health beds are open, which his Minister for Health refused to do when warned of this looming problem five months ago? (3) Will the Premier now commit to ensuring that mental health funding comprises at least 10 percent of the next health budget, in keeping with world trends, to address this growing problem? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(3) Will the Premier now commit to ensuring that mental health funding comprises at least 10 percent of the next health budget, in keeping with world trends, to address this growing problem? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(1) Will the Premier now instruct the Minister for Health to reinstate funding to the preventive community-based mental health programs that the minister axed in September last year or will he simply allow the situation to worsen? (2) Will the Premier now ensure that more mental health beds are open, which his Minister for Health refused to do when warned of this looming problem five months ago? (3) Will the Premier now commit to ensuring that mental health funding comprises at least 10 percent of the next health budget, in keeping with world trends, to address this growing problem? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(2) Will the Premier now ensure that more mental health beds are open, which his Minister for Health refused to do when warned of this looming problem five months ago? (3) Will the Premier now commit to ensuring that mental health funding comprises at least 10 percent of the next health budget, in keeping with world trends, to address this growing problem? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(3) Will the Premier now commit to ensuring that mental health funding comprises at least 10 percent of the next health budget, in keeping with world trends, to address this growing problem? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
(1)-(3) I will not be instructing my health minister to reinstate the funding that was taken out of the system last year. Our health budget in Western Australia was blowing out every year, and the ability to determine where the health dollar was spent every year was not being controlled by the Government of the day, which is accountable through the Parliament to the people, but by some people who worked in the system. I am very pleased to say that this Minister for Health now has control back over the budget. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Secondly, the Minister for Health indicated to me yesterday that he has been having discussions with the Department of Health about the problems that resulted from the shortage of secure beds in the system. This problem did not arrive only yesterday; it has been in the system for some time. The minister is keen to look at how he might address the system. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the members for Alfred Cove and Warren-Blackwood to order. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I would not have thought it was appropriate for the Leader of the Opposition to lecture the Government of Western Australia on expenditure in the health system, and mental health specifically. In all his contributions to public debate in Western Australia in recent times, either through his direct statements or his so-called shadow ministers, he has proposed to increase budget expenditure on every area of government in Western Australia, which would make it impossible for his party to achieve those set objectives. Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Under our Government, health expenditure has increased significantly. The Government is keen to ensure that beds are available in our system; that our emergency departments are operating properly; that elective surgery waiting times are reduced - I am pleased to say that that is already happening - and that our mental health system works properly for those people who need to access it. I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
I visited the Swan District Hospital yesterday with the Minister for Health to express our solidarity with the staff at that hospital following the tragedy that occurred there. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We also had a discussion with some of the staff and the management at that hospital about that tragedy and the circumstances that led to it. I say to all our mental health staff throughout Western Australia that we know that there are times when you are in a very difficult situation and, as we have seen, a dangerous situation. We thank you for the work you are doing, and we will work with you to make sure that the system in Western Australia meets the needs of the community.
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