Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is again to the Minister for Health and Ageing. I refer to comments of the Tasmanian Australian Medical Association president, Professor Haydn Walters, in the Australian about the Commonwealth’s takeover of the Mersey hospital:

If neither hospital can get the critical mass in terms of manpower and equipment needed to operate a really good hospital of excellence, then both hospitals will fail.

Minister, given this new Crosby Textor research, which indicates that you are much less popular than the local pharmacist, the family doctor, the Australian Medical Association, the health system in general, pharmaceutical companies, even the federal government, why should anyone believe you?

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I say to the member for Gellibrand that not only was the last part of that question out of order but I have told her before that she will not use the word ‘you’ in that context. If she continues to do it, I will rule the question totally out of order.

Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I apologise, Mr Speaker. I can repeat the question for you and rephrase it.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No. The member for Gellibrand will resume her seat.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I hope you will not mind if I do not respond to the ad hominem element in that question. On the subject of the AMA, I quote in response Dr Roger Watts, who said that morale at the hospital had already improved since Prime Minister Howard announced last Wednesday his $45 million a year plan to underwrite the Mersey. And Dr Watts is the Australian Medical Association North West Tasmanian branch secretary.