❓ Mr. Board questions Premier Gallop about reported hospital closures due to nursing shortages, accusing him of misleading the public on healthcare improvements. Premier Gallop defends his government's actions, citing previous budget constraints and ongoing negotiations with nurses.
AnsweredQoN 409Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SHORTAGE OF NURSING STAFF, HOSPITAL CLOSURES 409. Mr BOARD to the Premier: I remind the Premier of his promise to the people of Western Australia only days before the election that Labor will boost staffing numbers so that more hospital beds and wards can be opened up and the operating hours of theatres extended. (1) Will the Premier confirm that operating theatres at Royal Perth Hospital and beds at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are to be closed due to a critical shortage of nurses as reported in today’s The West Australian ? (2) Will the Premier admit that he misled all Western Australians by promising to fix the health system when, in reality, the health system is in rapid decline? Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
SHORTAGE OF NURSING STAFF, HOSPITAL CLOSURES
I remind the Premier of his promise to the people of Western Australia only days before the election that Labor will boost staffing numbers so that more hospital beds and wards can be opened up and the operating hours of theatres extended. (1) Will the Premier confirm that operating theatres at Royal Perth Hospital and beds at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are to be closed due to a critical shortage of nurses as reported in today’s The West Australian ? (2) Will the Premier admit that he misled all Western Australians by promising to fix the health system when, in reality, the health system is in rapid decline? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
(1) Will the Premier confirm that operating theatres at Royal Perth Hospital and beds at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are to be closed due to a critical shortage of nurses as reported in today’s The West Australian ? (2) Will the Premier admit that he misled all Western Australians by promising to fix the health system when, in reality, the health system is in rapid decline? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
(2) Will the Premier admit that he misled all Western Australians by promising to fix the health system when, in reality, the health system is in rapid decline? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
(1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
SHORTAGE OF NURSING STAFF, HOSPITAL CLOSURES
I remind the Premier of his promise to the people of Western Australia only days before the election that Labor will boost staffing numbers so that more hospital beds and wards can be opened up and the operating hours of theatres extended. (1) Will the Premier confirm that operating theatres at Royal Perth Hospital and beds at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are to be closed due to a critical shortage of nurses as reported in today’s The West Australian ? (2) Will the Premier admit that he misled all Western Australians by promising to fix the health system when, in reality, the health system is in rapid decline? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
(1) Will the Premier confirm that operating theatres at Royal Perth Hospital and beds at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are to be closed due to a critical shortage of nurses as reported in today’s The West Australian ? (2) Will the Premier admit that he misled all Western Australians by promising to fix the health system when, in reality, the health system is in rapid decline? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
(2) Will the Premier admit that he misled all Western Australians by promising to fix the health system when, in reality, the health system is in rapid decline? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
(1)-(2) Since we were elected to Government, we have started the process of building our health system. The first requirement was to settle with our nurses and to get a decent set of wages and conditions - Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Board: You have not paid them yet. Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: When did they agree to it? Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Kucera: Four or five weeks ago. Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: Four or five weeks ago. That was a fundamental requirement that had to be met. Part of the requirement of the agreement with the nurses was to increase the number of nurses that we would bring into the system. I can tell members this because we have seen the books. Do members know how much money the former Government set aside in the budget to deal with these issues? It would not allow any extra nurses. The amount of money it provided for the wage increases would not have allowed for what this Government has done and the commitment that it has shown. It is embarrassing that the shadow minister gets up on behalf of the Opposition and asks questions like that. I have not been briefed fully on the current situation of our hospitals. However, I am told that the reasons for the reduction in the number of theatres from the normal number of 10, are the school holidays and the availability of nursing and anaesthetic staff during this period. Currently, there is a problem in our hospitals that will have to be addressed. Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Board: The reduction is not because of the school holidays. Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: Can I ask the member for Murdoch a question? If the member thinks that this Government should spend more money on health in this budget, where should the money come from? Members of the Opposition are opposed to the increase in payroll tax on the biggest businesses in Western Australia and they are also opposed to the premium property tax. Where would the revenue come from? Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Board: You made a commitment to the people of Western Australia. You have got a record low increase in health funding. This is the smallest increase in health funding since 1993. It is a record low. You promised the people of Western Australia that this Government would fix the hospitals. Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: I believe that E=mc². However, the wonderful Opposition is able to take money and add money and get more. Not even Einstein could come up with that formula! Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Mr Barnett: You have lost the plot; you should have a Bex and a lie down. If you think E=mc² will solve the health crisis, you have a problem. Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: There is a credibility problem on the Opposition benches. The Opposition is opposed to the taxation measures that are feeding money into our core services, but it thinks we should spend more on those services. Thank goodness we have a Government and a Treasurer that speak honestly to the people of Western Australia.
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