❓ Mr. Cook questions the Minister for Health regarding a $218 million budget blowout in the Department of Health, specifically related to building alterations/additions and computer services/consumables. The Minister's response avoids providing specific figures and deflects by discussing overall health budget pressures.
AnsweredQoN 730Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT
OF HEALTH — BUDGET
730. Mr R.H. COOK to the
Minister for Health:
I refer to the Annual Report on State Finances that
outlines another $218 million blowout in the last three months of the financial
year by the Department of Health on building alterations and additions, as well
as computer services and software consumables. How much of the $218 million
relates to building alternations and additions, and how much of $218 million
relates to computer services and consumables?
OF HEALTH — BUDGET
730. Mr R.H. COOK to the
Minister for Health:
I refer to the Annual Report on State Finances that
outlines another $218 million blowout in the last three months of the financial
year by the Department of Health on building alterations and additions, as well
as computer services and software consumables. How much of the $218 million
relates to building alternations and additions, and how much of $218 million
relates to computer services and consumables?
AnswerView source ↗
I am aware of the
report that was tabled by the Public Accounts Committee today in relation to
information and communications technology arrangements in the Department of
Health. Those issues have been very well canvassed. There were recommendations
made by the Auditor General in his report earlier this year —
Ms
R. Saffioti interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for West Swan, that is three times. I call you to order for
the first time.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : They have been put into effect. In relation
to the health budget overall, there is always a great deal of pressure on the
ever-increasing amount of funds allocated by the government on behalf of
taxpayers to our very high-standard health system, but there is virtually an
insatiable demand, and that is always taken up. As the Treasurer can certainly
explain, it puts a lot of pressure on the state budget. The opposition,
particularly the member for Victoria Park, the shadow Treasurer, does a lot of
talking and complaining, drawing attention to the fact that a lot of the
deficit we have at the moment and the debt that exists is caused, as I said, by
the insatiable demand on our health system. In relation to specific costs of
building alterations and so on, if the member wants that detailed information
it should be put on notice or at least give some notice.
report that was tabled by the Public Accounts Committee today in relation to
information and communications technology arrangements in the Department of
Health. Those issues have been very well canvassed. There were recommendations
made by the Auditor General in his report earlier this year —
Ms
R. Saffioti interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for West Swan, that is three times. I call you to order for
the first time.
Mr J.H.D. DAY : They have been put into effect. In relation
to the health budget overall, there is always a great deal of pressure on the
ever-increasing amount of funds allocated by the government on behalf of
taxpayers to our very high-standard health system, but there is virtually an
insatiable demand, and that is always taken up. As the Treasurer can certainly
explain, it puts a lot of pressure on the state budget. The opposition,
particularly the member for Victoria Park, the shadow Treasurer, does a lot of
talking and complaining, drawing attention to the fact that a lot of the
deficit we have at the moment and the debt that exists is caused, as I said, by
the insatiable demand on our health system. In relation to specific costs of
building alterations and so on, if the member wants that detailed information
it should be put on notice or at least give some notice.
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