Mr. Cook questions the Treasurer about potential requirements for hospitals to derive income from fees, to which the Treasurer responds defensively, highlighting government investment in the public hospital system and accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation, without directly answering the question.

AnsweredQoN 465Legislative Assembly
Asked
29 June 2016
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

HOSPITALS — OPERATING INCOME
465. Mr R.H. COOK to the Treasurer:
I have a supplementary question.
Will the Treasurer guarantee that he will not place any ambit requirements on
hospitals to derive a particular proportion of their income from fees and other
charges?

AnswerView source ↗

If the member for Kwinana knew
anything—he has been the shadow health minister for what—how
many years? How many years?
Mr
R.H. Cook : Just answer the question!
Dr
M.D. NAHAN : How many years? The member knows that, as part of the Medicare
Agreement, we cannot charge for access to public hospitals.
Mr
W.J. Johnston interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Cannington, I call you to order for the third time. I want
a quick answer, through the Chair.
Mr
R.H. Cook interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana! A quick answer through the Chair, minister.
Dr
M.D. NAHAN : We have rebuilt the public hospital system. We are funding it
more generously than any other state, and we will continue to do so. We will
also drive efficiencies into the hospital system so that we can go forward and
provide the best hospital system and the best services in this nation, even if
we have to listen to rubbish from the other side.

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