❓ Opposition questions Treasurer about alleged directive for hospitals to generate 30% of income from fees. Treasurer denies the claim, leading to heated exchange about hospital funding and efficiency.
AnsweredQoN 464Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
HOSPITALS — OPERATING INCOME 464. Mr R.H. COOK to the Treasurer: Before I ask my question — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
464. Mr R.H. COOK to the Treasurer: Before I ask my question — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Before I ask my question — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
464. Mr R.H. COOK to the Treasurer: Before I ask my question — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Before I ask my question — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany! Thank you. Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. COOK : Thank you, Mr Speaker. Before I ask my question, I acknowledge the volunteers from the Kwinana community who join us in the public gallery today. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Opposition members: Hear, hear! Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. COOK : I refer to a briefing that the Treasurer recently gave to incoming board members of the area health services. (1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(1) Can the Treasurer confirm that he informed the board members that in future, all hospitals would be required to derive as much as 30 per cent of their operating income through charging private patients parking fees and even for coffees? (2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(2) If so, when will he implement this policy? (3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(3) How will the Treasurer guarantee that patients will not be priced out of hospital and ancillary services while he squeezes hospitals to behave like income centres rather than service deliverers? Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN replied: (1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
(1)–(3) I can confirm I did not say that. I can confirm I did not say that. Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : A lot of people are saying you did. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member for Kwinana hears strange things. In fact, some people will say they are hallucinations Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr J.E. McGrath : Voices! Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Voices! No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
No, I did not say that. I did indicate — Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : You’re making fun of people with mental health problems now, are you? Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : No. I am making fun of you, member. The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
The SPEAKER : Right. Thank you! Through the Chair. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The member comes into this place with rubbish like that, making leading statements, and it is false. Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : Imagine asking a question in question time! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is false. The member made a statement, and I would ask him to verify that statement. Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
The SPEAKER : Thank you! I want a quick answer, through the Chair. We are going nowhere. Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : The statement was false. But we did indicate that we are in the process of driving efficiencies in the hospital system. It was in relation to setting up the boards, and the boards are now going to take on, in their area, responsibility for the overall direction and strategic planning, and, in fact, the budgets for their areas. This is a big challenge. We have a very well-funded health system, meeting the demands of a growing level of demand. There is a real challenge for them, and I indicate that that challenge will remain, and efficiencies are a target. But I certainly did not say that they had to raise additional money. I did indicate that one of the challenges, and it has been a challenge for a long time, is that Western Australian hospitals have a very low ratio of collecting money from private patients, for example. Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : Ah! Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : It is true. They are paid for largely out of Medicare, and other health insurance. We have had, up until recently, half the rate of collections of private patients relative to other states. So that is one area that they have to focus on, and the Department of Health is already doing this to a large extent—their ratio is increasing. I did indicate that there have been some significant efficiencies in delivering high quality—higher quality, sometimes—through the use of PPPs in private hospitals, such as Joondalup, such as Midland and such as Peel Health Campus, delivering health care in a high level of quality in time and outcomes of service at a much lower cost. We have a lot to learn from these things. If members opposite read their big red book, they planned to do away with this policy, to basically terminate early the Joondalup hospital PPS. Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Mr R.H. Cook : Yes; we don’t agree with privatisation. Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : That is right. That is contracting out. Members opposite renewed the contract, by the way, last time they were in government. They renewed the contract. In fact, I think the former member for Joondalup was on the board of the hospital. But now they are against it. Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Several members interjected. Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Dr M.D. NAHAN : Anyway, we had a long discussion of telling the boards that they have a big challenge. We rely on them to make sure that we have the best hospital system in the country, but also an efficient one.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.