❓ Mr. Board questions the funding and administration of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service. Mr. Kucera responds by highlighting federal funding responsibility and criticizes the previous government's handling of Aboriginal health services.
AnsweredQoN 47Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DERBARL YERRIGAN HEALTH SERVICE, FUNDING
As the minister would know, every dollar, both federal and state, in the health budget is critical. Contrary to the article in The West Australian this morning, my understanding is that the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service will not close, but that management will be restructured. (1) What is the relationship between commonwealth and state funding for the health service? (2) Why have large amounts of money been tied up in administration and not been used for clinical services that are critical to the Aboriginal community? (3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA
As the minister would know, every dollar, both federal and state, in the health budget is critical. Contrary to the article in The West Australian this morning, my understanding is that the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service will not close, but that management will be restructured. (1) What is the relationship between commonwealth and state funding for the health service? (2) Why have large amounts of money been tied up in administration and not been used for clinical services that are critical to the Aboriginal community? (3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(1) What is the relationship between commonwealth and state funding for the health service? (2) Why have large amounts of money been tied up in administration and not been used for clinical services that are critical to the Aboriginal community? (3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(2) Why have large amounts of money been tied up in administration and not been used for clinical services that are critical to the Aboriginal community? (3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(1) What is the relationship between commonwealth and state funding for the health service? (2) Why have large amounts of money been tied up in administration and not been used for clinical services that are critical to the Aboriginal community? (3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(2) Why have large amounts of money been tied up in administration and not been used for clinical services that are critical to the Aboriginal community? (3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(3) Is the minister investigating any possible maladministration? Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr KUCERA replied: I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
I thank the member for his question. It is nice to hear that, at last, the member for Murdoch is starting to find out a little bit about the health service that was left to this Government. (1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
(1)-(3) For the information of the House, the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service is a non-government service that receives its primary funding from the federal Government. The Health Department of Western Australia purchases programs and services from Derbarl Yerrigan. I understand that a community meeting was held this morning at Midland, at which the president and deputy director of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service were present. They indicated that they intend to call an urgent meeting of the Derbarl Yerrigan executive. This points out - I am finding this throughout the health services - the general lack of rigour and accountability that has been left behind by the previous Government. I can only look across the Chamber to the people opposite and ask what happened to that rigour and accountability. I will move on to talk generally about Aboriginal health funding and will go back to some remarks made by the Premier. Members should have a little look at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Mr Trenorden: You should have a look at your own budget. Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr KUCERA: Exactly. However, the member for Avon should join other members in looking, while we knock on the door, at the funding for Aboriginal health in the commonwealth budget. Members should look at this wonderful woman, the member for Kimberley, who is sitting in the background and who has been a champion of Aboriginal health funding. In the commonwealth budget no additional funding has been provided for primary medical services for Aboriginal people until 2003-04. Yet again, the Liberal Government in Canberra spreads the butter. As usual, in terms of health services, both Aboriginal people and this State are on the edge of the crust. Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr Barnett interjected. Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
Mr KUCERA: I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why is there this lack of rigour and accountability? The Leader of the Opposition should also know that the current commonwealth budget will place medical services for desert Aboriginal communities at risk. These communities are already recognised as being poorly serviced by the federal Government. The commonwealth Medicare benefit payments for remote and rural Aboriginal people are far below those for the rest of the population, even though it has been consistently documented that the medical service needs of remote and rural Aboriginal people are much greater than those of the rest of the population. Just last week, the member for Pilbara brought people from the desert communities to speak to me. They told me about the sorry mess that the previous State Government left them. What did the previous Government do? It did a wonderful thing for Aboriginal services! We are concerned. Those people raised concerns about Aboriginal health. The people in Midland and the rural health services are desperately in need, but what did the previous Government do? It built a swimming pool! In answer to (2), I will be seeking from the Commissioner of Health a clear assurance that the services that the Government funds will be delivered.
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