The ACT government has accused the federal Coalition of trying to “undermine territory rights” over the proposed government takeover of one of Canberra’s two public hospitals.
Key points:
- A bill that would compel the ACT government to hold an inquiry into its acquisition of Calvary Public Hospital has been referred to its own inquiry
- The government has accused the federal Coalition of trying to “undermine territory rights” with the private member’s bill
- But Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith says the government will give evidence at the inquiry into the bill if asked
A private member’s bill by Queensland LNP senator Matt Canavan, which would effectively compel the ACT government to hold an inquiry into the acquisition of Calvary Public Hospital, has today been referred to a Senate committee for examination.
The ACT government will take over the ownership and management of the hospital in Canberra’s north from Calvary Health Care on July 3, with plans to build a new $1-billion hospital on the site.
A previous push for the Senate to inquire into the takeover itself was voted down last week.
But on Thursday, Senator Canavan’s motion was passed with the support of the Greens.
Senator Canavan said this inquiry would have all the features of a direct inquiry into the takeover.
“People can make submissions, people can have their say on this very important topic for the people of Canberra,” he said.
“The ACT government seems to have things to hide here on their Calvary Hospital takeover, so I’m glad now this inquiry will be available at a Senate level.”
But ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said it was frustrating that federal politicians had become involved in territory affairs.
“If the Canberra Liberals want to muddy the waters about this and use their federal colleagues to undermine territory rights, well that’s a matter for the Canberra Liberals,” she said.
“But I think the people of the ACT will be holding them to account for that approach.”
Senator Canavan said this was not the first time the Senate has inquired into decisions by a state or territory government.
“I’m sure it will not be the last,” he said.
Ms Stephen-Smith said the Legislative Assembly committee on health and wellbeing was not opposed to having an inquiry, but said it was important not to disrupt the transition of the hospital while it was ongoing.
But she confirmed the ACT government would cooperate with the Senate inquiry, including if it was asked to give evidence.
Referral to committee ‘normal practice’: Greens
In a statement, Greens Senate leader Larissa Waters said the party supported the ACT government’s acquisition of the hospital, and opposed Senator Canavan’s bill.
She said referring a private members’ bill to a committee was “the normal practice, even where we don’t support the bill itself”.
ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury said both the federal and territory branches of the party would “always support territory rights”.
“Referring private members bills to committee doesn’t equate to supporting the bill,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“The Greens will never support this legislation.
“We reaffirm our support for the ACT government’s acquisition of Calvary Hospital to ensure an integrated public health system as the best outcome for Canberrans.”