Commonwealth Health Minister's ability questioned over patients' rights charter

27/7/95

State Health Minister Graham Kierath has questioned the ability of Federal Health Minister Carmen Lawrence to hold office.

Mr Kierath said Dr Lawrence had 'lost the plot' with her criticism of the Western Australian Government's public hospital patients' charter of rights.

"By criticising the Coalition Government for not having an independent health complaints tribunal, she has broken the first law of political life - do not criticise others for what YOU failed to do," Mr Kierath said.

"I wonder if her short or long-term memory loss over the issue of the tribunal will also manifest itself when she is questioned on other matters before the Royal Commission."

Mr Kierath said the Coalition would introduce legislation in the next Parliamentary session to establish a body to deal with health complaints.

The Government was currently drafting some amendments to the 1994 Bill to remove previously complex arrangements.

"The Government recognises the need for an identifiable focus for complaints and to enable more accountability of health services," Mr Kierath said.

"By the end of the year, if all goes well and we get bipartisan support, a body to handle health concerns will be enshrined in legislation."

Mr Kierath said that Dr Lawrence's own inaction on a tribunal was a disgrace - the Labor Party did very little in six years.

"The former Labor Government received a discussion document on the establishment of  such a body in December 1986, the year Dr Lawrence entered Parliament.

"Since then there have been advisory networks, reports and recommendations but even when Dr Lawrence was Premier, nothing eventuated."

Media contact: Brian Coulter  222 9595 / 481 2133