❓ Mr McRae asks about elective surgery waitlists. Mr McGinty responds with positive data on reduced wait times and patient numbers, attributing it to government initiatives and anticipating further improvements with federal funding.
AnsweredQoN 741Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ELECTIVE SURGERY WAITLIST
The Carpenter government committed to reducing the time people wait for elective surgery. Will the minister update members of the Legislative Assembly on the number of people currently waiting for elective surgery and explain how long they have been waiting? Mr J.A. McGINTY
The Carpenter government committed to reducing the time people wait for elective surgery. Will the minister update members of the Legislative Assembly on the number of people currently waiting for elective surgery and explain how long they have been waiting? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
I am delighted, given that this is the last week of sitting for the Legislative Assembly, to provide members with some good news before they go off and enjoy themselves over the Christmas break. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I am delighted, given that this is the last week of sitting for the Legislative Assembly, to provide members with some good news before they go off and enjoy themselves over the Christmas break. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
I am delighted, given that this is the last week of sitting for the Legislative Assembly, to provide members with some good news before they go off and enjoy themselves over the Christmas break. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I am delighted, given that this is the last week of sitting for the Legislative Assembly, to provide members with some good news before they go off and enjoy themselves over the Christmas break. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
I am delighted, given that this is the last week of sitting for the Legislative Assembly, to provide members with some good news before they go off and enjoy themselves over the Christmas break. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : In that context, I was saddened to hear the member for Cottesloe’s news today. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr C.J. Barnett : No, you weren’t! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The member for Cottesloe was also quite correct because, as a result of his announcement, I will win a quiet bet that was made this time last year. I will now be two crayfish better off! Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr C.J. Barnett : As long as they are caught legally! Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Western Australia’s elective surgery waitlist comprised, as at yesterday, 12 239 patients, which is its lowest ever recorded level since records have been kept. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Members will recall that when the opposition was in government, that figure was around 21 000 people. We have almost halved the number of people on the waitlist. More importantly, we have slashed the time that people wait for their surgery. When the coalition was in power, the waiting time was five months. That time has been reduced to 79 days, which is less than three months. The very significant point about the figure of 12 239 people on the elective surgery waitlist is that there are a massive 3 222 fewer on the waitlist than this time 12 months ago. That is the extent to which that figure has been very dramatically cut. We want to do more to ensure that we continue to drive down the elective surgery waitlist. To do that, we must recruit more nurses so that we can open more beds. It is not a question of making money available; rather, it is a question of recruiting additional nurses. One of the things that will help in that regard is the $6 000 incentive to attract nurses who have left the health industry back into the nursing sector. That commitment was made by Kevin Rudd. It is one of the measures that will address the major issue confronting the health care system. Specifically, I am also delighted that next year there will be a major blitz on elective surgery. The federal government made three commitments on elective surgery. The first was a $100 million elective surgery blitz to ensure that people around Australia who have been waiting longer than clinically desirable get their elective surgery. Our share of that in Western Australia is $10 million. We want to make sure that we get that money to further build on the very impressive figures that we have been able to achieve by giving more people elective surgery. Secondly, the federal government will provide $200 million over two years - that is $20 million for Western Australia - for systemic improvements in elective surgery through things like the construction of more day surgery units etc. Thirdly, a $300 million dividend is available - approximately $30 million for Western Australia - to those states that meet their elective surgery waitlist targets. We are well and truly on target in that regard. I am looking forward to the new era of cooperation and the end of the blame game when it comes to health matters.
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