Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Canavan, Cadell, Fawcett, McDonald, Henderson, McKenzie, O'Sullivan, Duniam, Scarr, Chandler, Ruston, Cash, Rennick, Antic, McGrath, Reynolds and Kovacic, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 28 February 2024:

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government's compulsory acquisition of

Calvary Public Hospital, with particular reference to:

(a) the impact on health services in the ACT and surrounds;

(b) the effects on other private healthcare providers;

(c) the ACT Government's consultation process before making the decision;

(d) the legal and economic implications of a compulsory acquisition of this nature; and

(e) any other related matters.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The ACT government's decision to build a new, larger, modern northside hospital is a decision for the ACT Legislative Assembly and is appropriately a matter for them. It would be wholly unusual for the Commonwealth parliament to launch an inquiry into a matter that entirely relates to the decision of a state or territory government.

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the last month I've heard from hundreds of Canberrans, both expressing support for and raising concerns about the ACT government's decision to acquire Calvary Public Hospital. There are genuine concerns, such as how the decision may impact our already small health workforce here in the ACT and what this means for our other faith based institutions in Canberra. These are questions that deserve answers. I believe that there should be an inquiry but that it should be held at the level of government that made the decision.

We recently considered the Restoring Territory Rights Bill, which passed this chamber with broad support. We cannot support territory rights and then continue to cherrypick issues to be the subject of federal interventions where there is no federal jurisdiction over that issue. I will stand up for my community at every step, but I will not undermine our rights to self-government. I've written to the ACT's Chief Minister and Minister for Health asking them to undertake an inquiry into this issue.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business notice of motion No. 1, standing in the name of Senator Canavan and moved by Senator Askew, be agreed to.